Greatest Bass Players of All Time

1.

Jaco Pastorius

4240 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 57 comments

Comments:

Perhaps the greatest player ever with incredible technique and technical skills - BUT I can't get past the "fart'y" bass sound. Again great player, awful sound to my ears. I find it difficult to listen to him or Stanley Clark for that matter based on the sound. I would love to have heard him on a 'fretted' Jazz Bass with Rotosound 66's or DR High-Beams.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 5 points

Jaco was good, but overplayed. Bootsy Collins was the king of his genre. Jaco was the king of his genre. I am a bass player and Jaco is not in my list, he was great, but not my idol,

Added 1 year ago by guest, 3 points

I agree with you 100 percent he is a genius

Added 1 year ago by guest, 2 points

J.P. is the bassist that paved the way from the mid 70s untill his tragic death in 86. He was my first influence. He set the bench mark 4 all others after him in all styles. Funny thing is he has a son named Felix whos better than any rock bass player on this list. I never knew rock bass players were As good as fusion jazz bass players. Who made this list? John Enwhistle of the Who? I dont think so! Clearly this list is based on popularity of popular music. Jazz muscians are the best muscians. No questions asked! Today there R so many monster bass players. Check out Marcus Miller, Bill Dickens, Christian McBride (hes played with every jazz person), Anthoney Wellington, and one of my favorites. John Pattituci who play's 6 string bass. All these guys r not on the list and they r better than any rock star. There jazz bass players!

Saw Jaco and Verdine White together way back in the day. Awesome show.

Added 2 years ago by tazzjazzbass, 2 points

He's awesome. Reminds me a lot of Floyd Pepper from Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band on the Muppet Show. Man...those were the days.

Added 2 years ago by guest, -2 points

The Chicken. DAT BASS.

Added 3 years ago by snazzycat, 3 points

Jaco was not only the father of the modern electric bass, I feel he was one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century/ Look at how he quotes Right Of Spring here and there. So clever. I try to imagine hi, sober and 60 years old, the stuff he would have came up with!

Added 3 years ago by guest, 4 points

Mel Schacher? Right. He isn't even considered one of the best Rock bassists.

Added 3 years ago by guest, 0 points

Jaco can't hold Mel Schacher's jock strap...Go listen to Grand Funk Live album recorded in 1971...nobody was doing that then....

Some people say "the hendrix of bass" I rather say the God who created the new way of playing bass guitar. that way where the bass isn't just a rhythmic instrument

Added 4 years ago by guest, 4 points

Jaco has influenced every bass player since the mid seventy's. if you asked claypool, wooten,miller, sheehan, flea, lee, and any professional bass player they did say he's the greatest. that's why jaco is number 1

Added 4 years ago by guest, 2 points

Literally ask any professional bassist and it will be jaco. He completely redefined the instrument and his technical ability to play blew everyone out of the water. What I don't understand is why people make a big deal out of cliff burton or john entwistle

Added 4 years ago by guest, 2 points

LES CLAYPOOL is for far the best bassist of all time, at least he deserves a better ranking position than flea

Added 4 years ago by guest, -2 points

Bass history is split in before and after Jaco

Added 4 years ago by guest, 8 points

Great choice for the number spot! Go check out this dude that plays bass for the a band called
12th street gypsies
copy and paste the name and go to youtube search.

Added 4 years ago by guest, -1 points

Determining who was the best factors on a few things. Speed ,accuracy, improv, techniques.etc.. I would have to say jaco was undoubtedly one of the best but you cant really compare one to the next. Like jaco and wooten Clarke both play jazz but they played diff jazz..

Added 4 years ago by guest, 3 points

Jaco was great. WAS great.

Added 4 years ago by guest, -3 points

If you guys really think Jaco wasn't as good at Wooten, Mark King, Les Claypool, or anyone else you need to get your ears checked. Those other cats are all great, but they're not really dealing with the same harmonic structure that Jaco was, and you must remember that they ALL came after Jaco, which means that what they are playing is influenced in some form or fashion by Jaco...bass playing wouldn't be the same without Jaco. There's a vast library of Jaco's music that is not that popular...but reveals his technical prowess. Besides, I challenge anyone to play "Donna Lee" as clean as he did and improvise a solo that rivals the one he takes. Don't forget about his compositions--there's so much more to music than how well you play your instrument. Jaco was an incredible musician, so make sure you really understand what he did for music besides just play the bass.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 7 points

Ryan Martinie????

Added 4 years ago by guest, 3 points

ORIGINALITY, TALENT,INFLUENCE, WEEKS AT #1,WORLD WIDE RECORD SALES,ROCK HALL OF FAMER, THE MAN THAT PUT THE B IN BEAT, ANDTHE F IN FUNK.........BILL BLACK. ELVIS' BASSIST AND BILL BLACK'S COMBO ONE OF THE FIRST TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM DOGHOUSE BASS TO THE ELECTRIC. HE BURNED IT UP WITH THE STAND UP BASS WELL ENOUGH THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THAT THEY HAD NO DRUMMER IN THE EARLY RECORDS ONLY ELVIS SCOTTY AND BILL. MOST PEOPLE DIDN'T HAVE A TV AND NEVER SAW EARLY ELVIS PERFORM BUT IT WAS THE MUSIC THAT CHANGED THE WORLD.
BLACK'S BEAT. MOST PEOPLE THAT KNOW ROCK FROM THAT ERA ARE DEAD AND THE REST MEMORIES ARE TOO SHORT. IF IT WASN'T FOR HIS INFLUENCE WHERE WOULD THESE GUYS ALL BE?????

Added 4 years ago by guest, 5 points

uhm....do we know this guy?

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

Every bass player should bow for "his highness Mr. Claypool". I see to less his name on this forum, extend your horizon people ...

Jaco is easily the best. He's everything Mark King ever wanted to be but lacked the talent to do so. He brought the bass to the forefront.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Jaco- not fit to be mentioned in the same breath as Mark King. Jaco was a good fretless player, not great. The most over-rated bass player ever.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -9 points

Hugely, hugely overrated. Good, but no more than that. Wooten and King are so much better.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -7 points

Jaco hovers over Flea.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

Well, with all due respect... wrong,wrong, WRONG!!!!!!
Jaco should be No. 1, not just No. 6! Pls take action. RiP Jaco - world's greatest bass player!!

Added 5 years ago by beetlejuice1212, 1 point

I think you don't know he has inspired ALL modern bass players through the whole world. First place for Pastorius, now!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

He is simply genius.....

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

I wonders if Flea listens to this Jaco man in old days and thinks to be inspired and then go on to be best number one player of bass for all times.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Jaco's conceptual breadth is often not mentioned. Given a longer life, who knows, as a composer, he might have gathered a body of work comparable to someone like Mingus.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

I see you: you really want Twiggy Ramirez (Marilyn Manson) as numero uno on here?
Think about it.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

All these metalheads need to listen to "Word of Mouth" before voting Cliff Burton for No.1 .. Sheeesh!! .... and that's not even why Jaco was best known for.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

This is sad, an insult to the true greats

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Haha, reading through this, it almost tells the story of how I first heard of Jaco Pastorius -- from one of my bass teachers when I was just learning to play.
I can see both how Jaco would end up at #1 (it's conventional wisdom that he should #1 be for a lot of bass enthusiasts) but it also makes a lot of sense that he's somewhere lower in the top 10. Still, #3 makes sense to me in a mixed-genre ranking.

ask the living bass players above who was the best, and they will say jaco.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

He is apart from the rest. We should vote any a bass players from the earth.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

I'm not disputing his talent, but I have to ask: how many of you actually listen to "Weather Report"?
I suspect that, for many, the Jaco meme started out like this: You wanted to improve your skills, so you took lessons. Maybe the conversation went like this: You "Wow, I'd like to play like Entwistle" Bass teacher: "Yeah, he's good, but the greatest was Jaco Pastorius" You: "Really?" Bass Teacher: "Oh yeah, best of all time, okay, so did you practice playing 3rds in the Dorian mode? Today, I'm going to show you Phrygian, which is also a minor scale. . ." Then you just repeat everything your bass teacher told you, although, really, you might think "Weather Report" sounds like the background music from a 70's movie.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

LES CLAYPOOL??????????????

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

An innovator, an exceptional player, a definite yes on both counts. The best; hardly. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate Jaco's contributions but there are plenty of players these days who are also innovative and can run circles around what Jaco was capable of doing.

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

#1 period

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

This man is the God father of the bass. he ate slept and drank this instrument (before the drugs) His hands were made to play this instrument. "Portrait of Tracy" magical!! Everyone else comes after. He was effortless on this instrument.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Jaco was here for a short period of time; however his singing bass lines on the Jazz Fusion standard “Birdland” will always be with us. He played with a who’s who of jazz fusion groups from Al Di Meola, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny and Joni Mitchell. After his death he was saluted by Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten with compositions. He is the only electric bass player in Down Beat’s Jazz hall of fame. The only other bass player are Charles Mingus, Milt Hinton, and Ray Brown.

Added 6 years ago by dc99, 3 points

for the people who really knows about jazz u are the greatest bass player in jazz history

Added 6 years ago by alberramir, 1 point

Thank You for moving him up!

Added 6 years ago by C.I. Bassist, 1 point

2.

Victor Wooten

3716 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 30 comments

Comments:

he plays the bass like its is life, still the best shredder i know

Added 2 years ago by guest, 1 point

Very clean and so funky. Also very giving of his knowledge.

Added 2 years ago by tazzjazzbass, 1 point

Although I came here to look where Geddy Lee was, I saw Wooten on the list, and had to bump him. I am humbled to say he is a better bassist than Lee.

Added 3 years ago by guest, 1 point

I like him..

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

The god father of bass is and will always be Abe Laboriel Sr. He's the library all these guys pick from.

Added 4 years ago by guest, -1 points

Best slap bar none.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Technically the best out there by a country mile. Incredible. But I still prefer Mark King when it comes to slap.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

This guy shreds Flea!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Victor who?

Added 5 years ago by guest, -11 points

Victor Wooten is the Best by a longshot Bringing all sorts of sounds out of the Bass.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

Victor is everything Flea wants to be.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Is just showing off to be like Flea! Is still good.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -2 points

He's a bit slow and weak on technique, don't you you think?...Just kidding, of course, but I think he is better when he's not trying to dazzle us with complex tapping etc...otherwise he's a very soulful player.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

this man should be at the top.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Dude, get real Victor's the best bar-none.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

who care about this guy. Cliff Burton is the BASS GOD!

Added 5 years ago by guest, -5 points

Victor is number one. This ranking is so wrong. Victor plays every style with ease, not everyone can play like victor. Players like Ab, John P., Jimmy H., and Hann are tops.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

VICTOR IS 1. NO CONTEST. RUNNER UP WOULD BE CLIFF FOLLOWED BY LES

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

All you have to do is see one of his solos, and you''ll be convinced. I honestly think, skill wise and the ability to create all those different sounds at once on a single 4 stringed bass is beyond amazing. He isnt even my favorite bass player (chris wolstenholme is my favourite).

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

why so low? he should easily be top 5 status

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

A unique bassist... who as reached the god type player with this instrument.. Victor is and will be the best bassist ever, even though Jaco deserves all our respect as a pioneer. Victor "The Great" Wooten!!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Victor should be no1 in the world, just listen to "You cant hold no groove". He is the GOD of bass. Truly amazing.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

WHAT?! TOP 5 MAN VICTORS A BASS GOD.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Victor is definately a top 3 and he is surely one with the bass.. massive skills project him to one of the greatest who have ever palyed the instrument.. personnaly my favourite..

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

search this guy on youtube - he makes his bass sound like a whole band

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

The only bassist I know of who can beat a guitarist in a guitar battle

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Should be in the top 3. He is the most amazing bassist there is and very few bassists can even compare to his skill and talent.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Couldn't agree more that Victor should be higher. (top ten) The only bassist worthy to take on Jaco's mantle. Who else would you mention in the same sentence with Stanly Clark, and Jaco and not be laughed out of the room.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

There's no way this dude belongs all the way down here at 25. You can tell there aren't alot of people here who REALLY know this instrument. Victor is awesome, pays homage to Jaco Pastorious with his remake of "Portrait of Tracy" Takes the bass to new heights!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

A Living legend. Should be in top 10. Truly has taken the bass to a whole new level!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

3.

John Entwistle (The Who)

He was the glue that kept one of the greatest rock bands of all time together. While Keith, Pete and Roger were off improvising and doing their own thing it was John who functioned as the backbone, keeping the band on track,

3686 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 35 comments

Comments:

The man invented what it means to play the electric bass. When he came on the scene everyone played the bass like a stand up acoustic.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 0 points

I listen to "Live at Leeds" once a week and marvel at Entwistle's talent. To the question - the Ox rules.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 0 points

For me it´s a question what abass player is needed for. If I had a poptune, pop ballad or even a pop/rock song written and needed someone to make up a bass arrangement and play it...I would be most secure with Paul McCartney.....but if it´s a jazz song or bebop or funk so and so...I´d go for another one....so it depends what the bass is needed for. Pual is so exellent to "play the song"...in the way that Ringo is so good....well so and so... thanks for the word!

Added 1 year ago by guest, -1 points

over-rated. The who had horribly sloppy drums which probably made Entwistle sound better. those little bass solo things he does add absolutely nothing to the songs.

Added 1 year ago by guest, -1 points

For my money the bass solo on "Can you see the real me" from Quadrophenia is the greatest rock bass solo ever.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 4 points

How could anyone compare Paul McCartney to John. Granted Paul was good at what he does but how can anyone compare Silly Love Songs to We won't get fooled again?

Added 4 years ago by guest, 11 points

John was The Greatest Rock Player in my lifetime. He played the bass like a lead guitar and had the fastest runs of all times.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 12 points

The best player in rock field for sure!

Added 4 years ago by guest, 17 points

Really? And that was all of 3 songs.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -12 points

Yeah, BUT (sorry) he couldn't sing and play brilliant bass at the same time. The bass became very basic when he sang.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

He's at #3. What else do you want?????

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

The Ox deserves a better spot, he is the best bassist of this, the last, and all other aeons, he neved died, God just took bass lessons, HE IS THE CHUCK NORRIS OF BASS

Added 5 years ago by guest, 11 points

Actually, Mark should be rated about 35-40.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Anyone who thinks Mark King shouldn't be in the Top 50 Bass Players (Let alone Top 5!) clearly has no idea about the bass or what makes a great player. I have been playing bass for 25 years- he is one of the best- as is Entwhistle.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

The best rock bassist ever. Him, Wooten, Jamerson and King would be my top four. All the rest trail behind. Far behind.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Johnny Thunderfingers....'nuff said!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 9 points

John Entwistle is the number "0" bass artist (sic) and can not be compared with anyone.
thebassplayer

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Dude, this guy is the best out of all bass players, WAY better then McCartney!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

#1-McCartney
#2-Entwistle.
Stick a fork in it...DONE! ;D

Added 5 years ago by queenrosered, -8 points

Listen to his live version of "The Ox" at the royal Albert Hall. I'll think you'll be surprised to see THE god of bass. Other recordingstolisten : "My Generation", "The Real Me", "Overture", "Won't get fooled again"and "Sparks"

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

The OX rules - greatest bass player ever!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

He should b at the least # 2

Added 5 years ago by guest, 8 points

Ok the Ox needs to be in the FIRST spot! Greatest of all time!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

Should be in the top 5

Added 5 years ago by guest, 8 points

This is the greatest bass player of all time! Just watch the man play and you can't disagree!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Simply the best

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

met him once in Birmingham...style...1 great anchor man...R.I.P...........Mervin GershX

Added 6 years ago by guest, 7 points

Agreed, top 2 for the OX!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 9 points

best bass player that ever lived!!!! ox had the most ability to play any style at any speed with total accuracy....much loved and missed.. LEGEND

Added 6 years ago by chap, 2 points

Entwistle only 6th? A joke right?

Added 6 years ago by coker65, 2 points

Should be Top 2, at least. He practically invented the Rock Bass Solo.

Added 6 years ago by Antimonium, 1 point

Top two would work, as he was annoyed for years that he always ended up behind Paul McCartney in polls ;-) If proof is needed of just how good the Ox was, watch his 5:15 bass solo on YouTube - a classic.

Added 6 years ago by HeyDavidiii, 1 point

John was voted "Bass Player of the Millennium"...surely that says it all?

Added 6 years ago by Lexy, 7 points

The first hit bass solo was My Generation - this man was a pioneer!

Added 6 years ago by zabadak, 7 points

seriously? i mean, come on, this guy was a master at bass. he should be in the top two if anything. geez.

Added 6 years ago by bass.is.evan, 10 points

4.

Jimmy Blanton (The Duke Ellington Orchestra)

3251 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 7 comments

Comments:

Mingus wouldn't have been Mingus had he not been influenced by Blanton.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

These peoples I am not before hearing is not the number of one like Flea. All peoples who knows the bass is voting Flea and songs in the discoteque and radio stations.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -2 points

Guy Pratt? As if this list doesn't have enough session bassists already. However, I notice Roger Waters from Pink Floyd on the list.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Where is Guy Pratt from Pink Floyd.....????!!!!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, -2 points

They dont even have the greatest BASS GUITAR player on the list, He is better than half the people on this list, His name is.......MIKE INEZ, So everybody that is voting on this pole...RECOGNIZE!!! B-OTCH

Added 5 years ago by guest, -3 points

In his short life, this guy revolutionized bass. He originated pizzicato and bowed bass solos and, moved bass beyond just keeping quarter note tempos (this is how early of an innovator Blanton was) to eighth and sixteenth note runs, introduced melodic and harmonic techniques. This guy is truly the "grandfather" of modern bass.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

I must say, I was expecting to see Jaco Pastorius or someone like that, but Jimmy Blanton as number one makes sense. Blanton redefined the role of Bass in modern music in a way that now spans all genres. The crowd on this website seems to really know its musical history,

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

5.

Paul McCartney (The Beatles)

His status as one of the greatest songwriters of all time sometimes overshadows his other musical abilities, but there's no denying that McCartney was a master of the bass guitar. His crisp bass lines have become legendary and his mastery of the intricate arrangements of the later Beatles is astounding.

2760 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 40 comments

Comments:

Definitely has talent for composing but technically he is rubbish !

Added 1 year ago by guest, -7 points

one of the best song writers and musicians the pop world will ever see. He originally was a guitar player for the Beatles. He plays the guitar solo on Taxman.
He is a very average bass player. A couple interesting bass lines here and there from the white album but otherwise pretty average. He just happened to be in the most popular band in the world. I don'r even consider him a real bass player. Unbelievable song writer though.

Added 1 year ago by guest, -4 points

great songwriter not a great bassist

Added 2 years ago by guest, -4 points

When Paul took over bass from Stu Sutcliff, John Lennon said he was better in 3 weeks than Stu was after 3 years. Paul's bass playing gets overlooked by his singing and song writing, but I believe him to be the most naturally talented bass player of all time. His amazing melodic bass playing is so perfect at complimenting his music, you don't even realize how good he is.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 4 points

Paul's bass playing is by far the most influential of all time, he will be revered hundreds of years from now and most of these guys are unknown now. What he adds to the songs on bass is magical its not how fast you play but how creative you are and let's face it no one on this list is anywhere near as creative as Paul or they would be the most successful musician in recorded history.which Paul already is.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 8 points

The gayest bass player ever.

Added 3 years ago by guest, -11 points

The only reason he's even on this list is because he was part the most overrated band ever, The Beatles

Added 3 years ago by guest, -23 points

If Paul was not such a great singer / song writer people would realize that he was one of the best bass players of all time, maybe the best. His bass playing was one of the key reasons the Beatles were great, listen to the songs and the bass riffs.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 12 points

would love to hear all the 'great' bass players sing and play . pure talent

Added 4 years ago by guest, 14 points

His bass playing is overlooked by the Beatles pop beat and his songwriting best of all time by far the most influential of all time

Added 4 years ago by guest, 11 points

"Band on the run" must be the most out-of-tune bass playing in history. Did he bring his bass from outside in a U.K. winter into a hot studio, or was he just using his Hofner ?

Added 4 years ago by guest, 9 points

The most melodic bass player of all time. Definitely should be top 5.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 12 points

GO MACCA!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

it is easy now do what he did, but he did in 60s, so, this is the difference.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 9 points

mccartneys a great bass player.... .. hes in the top 5 i think anyway

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

I really addicted to the bass line in HERE COMES THE SUN, LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS, SOMETHING, SGT PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND.... and more. He's an perfect artist, can do everything surprisingly.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 8 points

He should be top 5 at least. That thing about Harrison playing bass has to be a joke. Harrison did play the bass in The long and winding road, hey jude, and others where Paul played the piano. Paul is the one who played in most of the songs. Bass, guitar, piano and even drums (Birthday)

Added 5 years ago by guest, 10 points

He's a musical genius. 'Nuff said.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 10 points

On Macca's mid-90's World Tour, I was 1 of thousands in the stands at the Sam Boyd Silver Bowl in Las Vegas who felt a THUMP THUMP THUMP! on my chest the minute Macca started the bass licks of "Silly Love Songs" and I am serious here...people were literally clutching their chests and opening their mouths in astonishment.Then when we realized (collectively!) that is wasn't our bodies from the inside, but the way his bass seemed to resonate from the inside out, we all smiled and enjoyed the hell out of the performance!The man was second to NONE. Period.

Added 5 years ago by queenrosered, 7 points

You realize that negative comments like this only motivate McCartney fans to vote him up even higher, don't you?

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

The only good musician in the Beatles was Harrison, and even his playing wasn't earthshattering. They were "pop craftsmen", not a rock band, and definitely not an inspiration to players.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -22 points

paul mcartney influences bassists to this day i think he should be at least number 2 if not number 1 and i couldnt tell you would be number one if hes number 2 but number 9 i dont think your giving him enough respect

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

In regard to the Harrison comments, there is only one song where Harrison allegedly played bass: "She Said She Said". Supposedly, there was a squabble in the studio and Mac left for the day. Lennon plays bass (not very well) on "The Long And Winding Road", since it was cut as a group thing with no overdubs (aside from the Phil Spector stuff) and Mac was playing piano.
McCartney was never a showoff on the bass, which is probably why he's so underrated. But as far as "playing the song" rather than "playing the bass", he's a master. Probably one of the most influential bassists in rock (aside from perhaps James Jamerson).

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

I've got to agree with dawkie -- Jaco Pastorius even cited McCartney and the Beatles as one of his influences.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

His playing on Rain amazes me every time.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 8 points

technically mediocre??? You are joking? What influences have all the young guys today that are new and groundbreaking that havn't copied McCartneys style?

Added 5 years ago by dawkie, 6 points

technically mediocre, just here because of beatles fans. Great compositor, singer, but so so bass player, compared to all the young guys you find today with real bass background.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -6 points

Should add to my comment of a minute ago: the full interview text clears up and confirms that Harrison did NOT play bass (or claim to play bass) on many Beatles songs. McCartney did. If one were to read a few scattered out of context quotes, though, it could lead someone to believe that Harrison claims this, which is probably why someone commented to that effect here.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

I read that Harrison interview with "Crawdaddy" (you can find it through an online search), I think if someone just looks up McCartney or Harrison on Wikipedia or something, you see that quote without the full context, Nevertheless, I think McCartney should rank higher than he does right now on this list. Top 12 at least.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

The comment that George Harrison played most of the bass on the Beatles song is a serious error. If McCartney didn't play all of the bass he played 99% of it. Harrison must have been kidding in his interview or talking about someone else because he did not play bass on Beatles albums or live.

Added 5 years ago by Bernard Webb, 5 points

Definitely don't want to take things out of context with the George Harrison interview, especially when only bits of it are cited here and there. In the full interview (Crawdaddy, 1977) Harrison is pointedly asked if he played bass following his comment. His response was that, no, he'd play at times what was to be a song's bass line on guitar and Paul would play the actual bass track on bass, doubling it. Also, he went on to say that only a few songs would NOT have one of the members of the band playing on it. Let's get these things right, and, yes Sir Paul McCartney is a legendary bassist, deserving to be at least in the top 20 (hard to compete with the original Jazz players, but for rock, he's up there).

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

He's a great bass composer more than a great bass performer. His ranking depends on what its more important for you. To me it seems that Paul had an approach to what a bass is supposed to do for the music which wasn't very common at that time. So I think he is in the chart for that, and not for being a virtuoso or anything like that.
Also, it is true that The Beatles regularly played others instruments, depending on the song, but Paul McCartney definitely wrote the bass of almost all the songs, including John and George's songs.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Oop, don't want to take Harrison's quote out of context, it had a lot to do with how the Beatles worked in the studio. On the other hand, Paul played some guitar parts instead of George (lead on "Taxman" for example), not all of them recorded their primary instruments on every song, etc. Point remaining that, if you're just focusing on bass legends here, Paul is in the top 15 certainly, but I think this is a "reverence" rank for his overall contribution to music moreso than his skill as a bassist.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Paul McCartney is a legendary all around musician. However, in a bass player forum and ranking, let's consider:
Paul only reluctantly played bass when Stuart Sutcliffe left the Beatles.
George Harrison claims to have actually recorded a lot of the bass tracks on their studio work -- although Paul's songs of course were written by Paul, perhaps he just delegated the session work to George.
So, respect for the musician, but top 10 bassist for the sake of ranking bassists. . . I wonder

Added 6 years ago by guest, -3 points

The melody in his lines are what I love. They balance the songs and counter the other instruments. Treats the bass like an instrument for a virtuoso; not like a background filler for a knuckledragger.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Others are more technically proficient, but few remain more innovative and influential. He, along with the vastly underrated Peter Cetera in his early Chicago period, are my favorite bassists.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

Just listen "Nowhere Man" and wonder what would this song be without Paul McCartney

Added 6 years ago by guest, 6 points

You'd be lying if you say you have not tried to add a McCartney slide into one of your bass lines. Truely influential member of the most influential band of all time.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Paul McCartney's ability is indeed a very outstanding one. His example greatly influenced the new era of music which encouraged every youth to value patience and hard work when it comes to music. He's my favorite bass player...

Added 6 years ago by Edrome Dueñas, 1 point

McCartney influenced a generation of bass players and was a genius on tracks like 'I Want You (She's so Heavy)' number 3 works,

Added 6 years ago by HeyDavidiii, 4 points

6.

James Jamerson (all Tamla Motown hits)

2708 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 17 comments

Comments:

He was so frickin good the other Motown musicians would compose songs from his bass lines.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 2 points

The reality is that the best musicians are jazz and blues players, because they must be proficient in EVERY key. Not only was Jamerson that, but he was just as dexterous on upright bass, and would often double his lines with, as well as sit in with the Detroit Symphony. Oh, until '65, all the funk brothers were given was chord sheets, so how many bass players can create bass lines, and steal the show without overshadowing the artist do you know?

Added 2 years ago by guest, 2 points

If all listed above him have been influenced in some way by him, doesn't he belong higher by default? Remember this... he didn't HAVE anyone to emulate!!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 1 point

When my cover band does the Temps "Ain't to Proud to Beg", I play Jamerson's bass line note for note, it just feels sooo good!

Added 3 years ago by guest, 1 point

James Jamerson was & still is # 1 in my book. Take away everything else on a Motown track but his Bass, and you still know the song by his feel, choice and notes and great sound ! Also love Chuck Rainey, Paul McCartney, Duck Dunn, Rocco Prestia, Carol Kaye, Joe Osborne, Jack Casady etc.... but hey, that's what's fun about making a list !

Added 3 years ago by guest, 1 point

An inspiration for many bass players...

Added 4 years ago by guest, 9 points

Jamerson was a real bass player. The other guys just have some tricks, but he made it groove. Sorry, 6 is just way too low. He should be above the other guys, perhaps at #1 or #2.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 9 points

My favourite and my true inspiration! The backbone of a band, really...The perfect mix between pasionate groove and personal ability! And how many rock bassists he was an influence on...amazing. He should be higher in any of such lists !

Added 4 years ago by guest, 3 points

its upsetting to see jamerson ranked below flea...

Added 5 years ago by guest, 8 points

A Bass God. Top 5 at the very least. Every time I hear his lines, I smile. Incredible how he made it sound slightly different every time, or even find a whole new line in there that made every song he played on seem even better.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

Whats going on here i mean this man here changed the way the bass was played most of these guys learned how to play the damn bass by listening to motown and it also pisses me off that bob babbitt or nate watts are not in the top ten !

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

To my understanding, if you were an artist for MoTown records in the 1960's and 70's and you wanted to have a hit song, what you would do was to run out to a bar in downtown Detroit and find yourself a Mr. James Jamerson to play bass for you. Even if he could not stand up to play, he would go into the studio and make whatever song you were recording pure gold. This is not make believe. Top 10 at least, but let's move him up.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

number one on this list HOW DARE YOU!!!! GREATEST MOTOWN BASSIST AND REGULAR BASSIST WHO EVER HAS OR WILL LIVE!!!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

You've got to be kidding. This guy should easily be in the top ten. He is probably the mentor of most on this list.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

without him ,, no bass playing seriously hello
1## Totally .... cant believe some in the top 20 even

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

James Jamerson 38 REALLY? Top 5 at least. He has more 1 hits than the top ten combined. Now put that in your bass and thump it!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Influenced most of the guys in the top 10 of this list! Should be # 2!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

7.

John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin)

The most underappreciated member of Led Zeppelin, Jones made all of Zeppelin's complex and difficult arrangements seem simple and was able to maintain order while following Bonham's anarchic and improvisational drumming.

2468 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 16 comments

Comments:

Best

Added 1 year ago by guest, 1 point

18th for this guy is really underrated, this guy in LZII gives some incredible lesson of blues bass, i still remember how i was inspired by is clean and smooth bass lines when i played blues. He was absolutely a Master of Blues.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

I can't believe John Paul Jones is only 18th on this list. He's not overrated, hes underrated. First of all, he's an amazing bass player, but he's also just an amazingly gifted musician, to all you haters out there, can you do better? What? Oh thats, right, no, you can't. Cuz no one can match that extremely high level of perfection and skill. LED ZEP FOREVER!!!!!

Added 4 years ago by guest, 6 points

A jack of all trades musician and master of nothing from the most over rated band in the history of rock.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -15 points

If we are talking as bass players, John Paul Jones is LED ZEP, absolutely brilliant musician !!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 17 points

JPJ is hardly overrated -- I think it's just the opposite and in particular because he was overshadowed a bit by being in a band that had such great musicians in it all around. On every Zeppelin album, Jones has some agile bass lines that add volumes to the song.
Who is Abraham Laboriel? Add him to the list so we can vote for him and thanks for the reference, I'll now go and look for some of his music and give it a listen.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

JPJ is one of the most OVERRATED Bass players. He is a better keyboardest and he is mediocre at best as a key player. He sucks as a bass player in my book! joerjc...

Added 5 years ago by guest, -17 points

Where is Abraham Laboriel? Definitely number one in my book and surely I thought that he would make the top two on here! WOW!

Added 5 years ago by guest, -8 points

This man is the only reason I have decided to learn bass (and I assure you, I've heard almost all the bassists on this list). He ought to be really high up!! Top 5 imo.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 11 points

JPJ in Them Crooked Vultures and in Led Zeppelin, AMAZING BASS PLAYER!!! Should be moved up close to the top ten!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 10 points

JPJ is the greatest bassest (along with John Entwisle) who ever touched a bass. In the song "How many more times" (Live at Royal Albert Hall) he has an awesome bass solo at the beginning, it basically shook my house.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 9 points

sorry but for me JPJ is one of the most underrated bassists and artists of all time. I dont know any instrument he cant play. No forget about the ability and experience in studio. He made all Zeppelin songs sound 100x better

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

Dude, should totally be no.1!! He's the one who inspired me to start playing and is my fav. member of Led Zeppelin. Its not just bass either, its keyboard, synthesizers, mandolin, acoustic guitar, recorder, etc. No Quarter is my favorite Zeppelin song and who wrote it? Jonesy, thats who. Placing him at number 21 is an insult. In my arrogant opinion, the list should be as so; 1) John Paul Jones 2) Geddy Lee 3) Phil Lesh 4) Les Claypool 5) Geezer Butler.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 13 points

Jones is way too underapreciated. If you ever listen to The Song Remains The Same (live album) and listen to the Whole Lotta Love track, listen to the part where it's that seductive part in it. listen to the bass. Hes jammin.,

Added 5 years ago by guest, 11 points

Bass god!!!!
"the lemon song"
"black dog"

Added 6 years ago by knob, 15 points

JPJ is my fav. He truly is a master.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 12 points

8.

Geddy Lee (Rush)

Clean and crisp, Lee's bass lines allowed Rush to be a three man band that sounded like a full orchestra. he had a unique ability to create a wall of sound with the bass perfect for Rush's grandiose style

2406 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 31 comments

Comments:

progressive rock bass with a drummer like Neil Pert is hard to pull offf. Good for him.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 3 points

the one and only

Added 2 years ago by guest, 1 point

WAY OVER RATED!

Added 3 years ago by guest, -18 points

Geddy Lee is undoubtedly the best bassist out there.

Added 3 years ago by larfen, 3 points

He's the best, He did it all!! Played crazy lines, while singing live! I do my best just to play them, I could not imagine singing like he does over them. He's a freak!!

Added 4 years ago by guest, 5 points

GEDDY LEE should be #1!!!!!

Added 4 years ago by LadyJoNJ, 14 points

Lee > Chuck Norris. 'Nuff said.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 6 points

I agree with all comments.. he should be at least in top 3. I have seen Rush playing in Rotterdam and Geddy is stil going strong. Powerfull, clear and very accurate...

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

Nothing less than #1. Pure, raw, gifted. Enough said.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Geddy is Top 5, for sure -- just based on Snakes & Arrows alone. He seems to be improving with age, which is, in itself, quite remarkable. Judged by his work a decade ago, Top 20. Judged by the past decade, maybe #2 or #3. The bass lines are fluid, dramatic, memorable and require a virtuoso talent to pull them off. A gorgeous bass player. the playing, not the looking. Ha!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 8 points

Geddy is an amazing bassist, singer and keyboard player, not to mention song writer. Rush is amazing in the studio and live. Geddy is should be way higher on the list.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

Sure, he's a great player, as are most any of the ones mentioned are. Sure, some people cringe at the voice, but that isn't a deal breaker for me; after all, I have listened to Smashing Pumpkins in cold blood.
Even so, enough with the progressive-rock fan-boy craze. He's not #1, and certainly not Top Ten. Heck, #13 is still overrated. He's a capable musician, but he just doesn't bring it.

Geddylee is the best bass player I have ever heard hands down :) "The Holy Trinity" < says it all

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

You know, I never see anyone who's actually capable of pointing out any flaws in Geddy's Bass playing. They either don't like Rush's music, or can't stand his voice, or just think he's overrated, etc.
It's fine to think other people are better, but not that Geddy is worse. You don't need to prove why you think someone is better, but you do need to back up your reasoning if you claim someone is actually WORSE.
He's my personal favorite, and he's definitely in the top 10, in My opinion.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

I have to agree bout the tom sawyer comment that song sucks really bad and that drummer that rushs got everyone always talkn bout how great he is maybe if he was in a better band anybody that is a rush fan sucks too!!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, -15 points

Rush is one of those progressive rock fanboy bands for the most part.
Geddy Lee is a very talented bass player but I think it's hard for most people to get past "Tom Sawyer" (which is probably their most popular song).
Their songs tend to be too long, over instrumented, and Lee's vocal style is more something to look past than anything really great. It's almost like Yes, where, if you can't stand the singer's voice, you're just not going to listen to that band's music very much.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -8 points

I HEAR RUSH ON THE BONYARD ALL THE TIME GEDDY LEE HAS TO PAY THEM TO PLAY THAT MUSIC CONSTANTLY. CUZ THAT CRAP IS OVERRATED NOISE. WORKING MAN NEEDS TO WORK A LITTLE HARDER ON WRITING..SYNTHESIZERS THAT MUSIC MAKES ME THINK LITTLE TROLLS WILL POP UP AND RAINBOWS AND CASTLE'S AND SOMEBODY CAST'S A SPELL ON YOU..

Added 5 years ago by guest, -11 points

"
"This list is a fanboy popularity contest, not a measure of talent or influence on other musicians. If it were, Lee would be top five." -- said the Rush fanboy.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -6 points

This list is a fanboy popularity contest, not a measure of talent or influence on other musicians. If it were, Lee would be top five.

You have to be kidding me Geddy needs to be in the top two not down here i mean jesus people pull your heads outa your asses

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

Say "Geddy Lee" - best bass player ever

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

Rush! Man, finding this list makes me want to go back and listen to some of my old music collection. Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson -- one of rare those convergences of talent forming a timeless band.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

What's with the past tense in this blurb, BTW? Rush is still going strong, and as performers all three of them are still at the top of their respective games.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

What many of you don't understand is Geddy Lee does three things at once. He plays the bass, sings and plays the keyboard for Rush. None of the bassists on this list can say that they do that besides him. Geddy Lee is a GOD.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

What's incredible is that he actually sings rhythm over some these basslines! Just *try* singing *and* playing the bassline to "Circumstances"! He's amazing!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

I love RUSH and clearly Lee is outstanding. But #1. I don't think this is accurate. Top 20 though.

Added 6 years ago by flarkjr, -4 points

I saw Rush again last week (in Quebec city). Geddy s base playing is definitively top notch. The sound is so clear, so pure. Glad to see that his talent is being recognized by you guys.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

Geddy is a bass god and is definitely worthy of the no.1 spot. Rush is a greatly underappreciated band as a whole, but it is nice to see the power trio recognized by their individual talents.

Added 6 years ago by yyztsejam, 4 points

9.

Charles Mingus

he was one of the first to bring the bass to a new level never seen before

2404 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 8 comments

Comments:

Is this man the Flea of Jazz??? HE INFLUENCED FLEA!!!

Added 3 years ago by guest, 0 points

Well good old Charles can't be rated 8th, sorry... no way...
we are taking about a legend of jazz.
He made history by himself.
It's an other class at all

Added 4 years ago by guest, 3 points

Is this man the Flea of the jazz? If yes, then high fives to his being the number of three!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Master bass player and genius composer.
If he's not in the top 5 then humanity is not worth saving.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

TOP 5 FOR SURE!! "YOU CAN'T HOLD NO GROOVE, IF YOU AIN'T GOT NO POCKET"

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Without a doubt -the best -period. The first bass player to have people line up to play with him. The Master, the end.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Should be # 1!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Considered a jazz bass prodigy he played with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington , Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, and Max Roach. With the last four mentioned he was a member of one of the greatest Live Jazz recordings ; "Jazz at Massey Hall”. He also composed and leader bands during the Bebop, Avant-garde jazz, Post-bop, and Third stream Jazz periods. A true Jazz and Bass Legend.

Added 6 years ago by dc99, 1 point

10.

Larry Graham (Sly & The Family Stone)

2286 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 7 comments

Comments:

What would funk music be without you Larry ? God bless you !!!

Added 1 year ago by guest, 1 point

The people who created this list must be primarily rock listeners, so by default they know little about Black music. Larry not only invented the slap bass techniques, he also, along with Sly Stone, created the early funk music genre ( sing a simple song ). Bootsy Collins, Rick James, Louis Johnson, and Prince should be in the top 10. Remember this:if I influence you, shouldn't I rank at least equal to you?

Added 2 years ago by guest, 2 points

How is Flea #1 and Larry Graham is ranked all the way at 17. I don't know for sure, but I'd speculate that Flea himself would rank Larry Graham (and probably Bootsie Collins also0 higher than himself.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

larry should be near the top rather than anyone from Metallica! Rock bass players would flounder if they had to do funk.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

Exactly!! The highest rated should be, Larry, Louis,Stanley and Victor.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Right?...who did do this list Larry was the reason for the pluck and slap along with LOUIS JOHNSON from the Brothers Johnson...and they have Jaco Pastorious as what no#3 or 4?...

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Who did this list? Larry is reason why the pluck and the slap are in music today

Added 7 years ago by dstaylor212, 3 points

11.

Michael "Flea" Balzary (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

2272 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 41 comments

Comments:

he plays like a flea

Added 1 year ago by guest, -1 points

HE DESERVES TO BE NUMBER 1!!!!
AMAZING STYLE AND PRECISION AND SPEED!

Added 1 year ago by guest, 1 point

How he moves and jumps around the way he does and still is precise and accurate amazes me. All these others just stand there and sound good but Flea does it while running around like a mad man.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 8 points

Flea is the greatest bass player of all time he brought so much to the instrument. He has done things with the bass that no one else has he deserves to be at least no. 2 on this list if not no. 1.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

He is not the best bass player of all time, but he has brought a lot of recognition to the instrument, and has probably inspired legions of players. He does hold his own, in the genre he plays.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

FLEA should Totaly Be #1 he deserves he took FUNK to a whole nother level lml... he is amazing ... come on listen to som Mother's Milk he jams Out ilike no one else! :3 AMAZING LOVE FLEA!

Added 4 years ago by guest, -1 points

No way should Flea be this high (#5). Don't get me wrong he is an amazing bass player, but the only reason he is so high is because of RHP and name recognition. Lesser known people don't have a chance when facing a radio favorite.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

This guy is seriously over rated. He's popular because of the slapping but he's not even that good at it. Compare him with Mark King on YouTube then tell me he deserves to be number 5 on here.

Added 4 years ago by guest, -4 points

he is good, very good, but he isnt that great. the fact is thay his songs have realy good bass rifts

Added 4 years ago by guest, -6 points

I have no idea why Flea is this high up on the list. He belongs 20-25th ONLY because how popular his music is, if we're talking technique and pure chops? MAYBE 60-70th. There is nothing advanced about his playing at all, it's just that there are so many damn kiss-ass fanboys out there that make him out to be something hes not.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -16 points

Sounds like someone is crying because their fan boy is ranked lower than the great Flea!! As someone who has played the bass semi- and professionally for over 30 years, I know the difference. Both are great in their own right.
If you don't like the voting, go elsewhere.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 8 points

Put Flea next to Mark King. Mark King is better anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Flea is good and above average, but when it comes to slap, there is only one King and that is Mark King.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -5 points

Flea is amazing!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 12 points

What a bull**** list!!! No way this guy is better than Bernard Edwards from Chic or Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson! In fact I'll go as far as saying Rock music comes up short in the Bass department. You have to Funk, R&B and Soul to find the killer bass players. OUT!

Added 5 years ago by guest, -9 points

With all respect to every other bassist, WHERE THE **** IS LES CLAYPOOL?!?!?!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

I'm glad people made the right decision to vote Flea up here because he blatantly deserves it! Funky Monks is a pure example of his superior funkiness! Anyways, yeah he's number one in my opinion and many others would agree so!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

a cheaper version of Larry Graham, the real #1

Added 5 years ago by guest, -5 points

how is it possible that I, an ordinary boy from the Czech Republic'll play bass for his arty, when listening to red hot chili peppers???
firelover@centrum.cz

Added 5 years ago by guest, -2 points

flea rules :) he's the best bass player xD

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

Hyuck, yeah, Kirst Novoselic and those three clunky notes in that song Polly make it so he should be #1, not Flea, Yeah, Flea with all of his musicianship and creativity and techniques that other bassists try to achieve and fail. His fusion of just about any form of music, and how his name has become synonymous with great bass players in modern times. Oh no, Novoselic should be up here instead. Hur, hur, hur, hur, hur

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Flea is good no doubt but not number 1 but if they were Gona rank the bass players with the most jacked up teeth he would secure the no. 1 spot for sure krist novoselic is no. 1.. anybody that has any knowledge about music knows this for sure that bass break in Polly is the best nirvana will never die!!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, -4 points

I also am happy to see Flea as #1, is unbelievable good news to see this.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

I can't believe this....Flea on # 1....he is way overrated

Added 5 years ago by guest, -5 points

When it comes to pure talent, Flea is unmatched.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

Flea is number one on here because the smart people who vote on this list realize that being a good musician also means playing music that people actually like.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

Hooray! Is number one Flea!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

This awsome man is one of my greatest all-time idols. His strumming feels like lumps all through your body and very fast moving. In my opinion, sorry guys if you disagree (you're in your right to do so) flea should be second (and good old Jaco 1st).

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Awesome bassist fore sure. i take alotta y influence from him for his sheer energy. but to be completely honest. he cant really compare to victor wooten or alotta the bassists up here. great showman fantastic bassist but hes kinda limited

Added 5 years ago by guest, -2 points

Flea has to be one of the greats. he has taken bass to a whole new level. i know most people can argue that he didn't start anything, but he did. he started the awesome bassists of the 21st century. he will live forever and ever. RHCP FOR LIFE!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

I had to look up who Jimmy Blanton was, too. From a pure influence standpoint, he's one of the originators of the bass techniques all of these other players (including Charles Mingus) adopted. That said, we're talking 1930's era upright bass player, before the bass guitar was even produced, so he didn't rock the funk like Flea does.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -2 points

In my opinion he should be the number one. Never heard for Jimmy Blanton before , probably because he died long time ago before I was born .. Anyway , second place is good too ^_^

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

He's such a great bassist.
He looks very good at the top.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

hmmmm..
good jobs flea..
you're very interesting when you play your guitar bass..

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Dude, this guy should be #1, come on!!! This guy can play any style of music without hesitating. No offense to John, Cliff or Charles, but this guy beats them all hands down. Just listen to Can't Stop, Give it Away or even the whole Californication album. Even in his early years: Fight like a Brave and Out in LA. He fuses every style of bass playing to create ONE sound, nobody did before him, and no one will ever do something like he did after him. He should be at the top of this list, period.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Flea has a career that spans over 25 years and introduced funk bass to a whole new generation and audience.
I wonder how many people under 40 today would even be aware of Larry Graham or Bootsy Collins without having heard of Flea first.

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

ummm i'm pretty sure flea should be #1, listen to the bass on their earlier albums, he is OWNING those songs...

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Umm, why the **** is Flea all the way down here...

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

I saw Flea in concert. He was amazing. Great entertainer and bass player. Why is he not top 10?

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Flea is amazing! he has to be AT LEAST top 10.. I mean just listen to "soul to squeeze"
or "hard to concentrate" or "animal bar"!!
such a beast!

12.

It very sad that people don't respect greatness.Marcus Miller is most sought after musician on the planet.His work speaks for itself.Top 2 at worse.Jaco has passed.

Added 3 years ago by guest, 2 points

a bit underrating is'nt? only the job he made with Miles for not to mention the other, personally i consider him #2 after Jaco of course.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

Marcus Miller should definitely be TOP 10!!! His discography, his production,not to mention his STYLE of playing the bass!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Nowadays, there is not another sound like him. Now he is the best.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

36th? Marcus Miller has worked on more than 500 albums to include Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Mariah Carey and the Chairman of the board himself Frank Sinatra.... Are you freaking kidding me? This why I dont like these list. They are so genre bias. This guy is a living legend. And all of these guys on this list if they are honest about it they would agree.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

Are you kidding me? Marcus Miller! Played with Miles Davis! Wrote Tutu... Wrote and produced for Luther Vandross! Marcus Redefinded the "Cool" Not to mention the many other instruments that he masters! He is the Musicians Musician. More than anyone on this list.. That includes Jaco and Stanley!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

Just caught on to Marcus Miller, he's awesome! His music, arrangements, really melodic, and funky, and spiritual, and beautiful all at the same time

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

13.

Stanley Clarke

2086 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 12 comments

Comments:

yeah, not much feel. He plays very ambitiously, but he plays like a white guy. Lousy alembic tone. He does some pretty good film scoring. He's a good musician, but his fingers are too long for what he's trying to do. On a side note-Big L. Ron Hubbard guy

Added 1 year ago by guest, -1 points

Great player but with not much feeling

Added 2 years ago by guest, -1 points

Larry Graham who popularize slappin'
Stanley Clark brought the bass playing to the leve what is is now, back in the 1970s.

Added 3 years ago by guest, 0 points

He is the best of the best. Maybe not so flashy as (very) few others, but listen to School days in the live 76-77 CD or in the live at the Greek CD, and then you cannot leave him at #15. He deserves a place up there with Jaco.

Added 3 years ago by guest, 1 point

A technical master with the soul of a great blues guitarist. Stanley has done more to advance the bass guitar than anyone I've ever heard, and he's a virtuoso on the acoustic upright, also. Phenomenal. Listen to the original studio versions of "School Days," "Rock N Roll Jelly," and Return To Forever's "Romantic Warrior," and find me a bass guitarist that can equal the bass playing on any one of those cuts.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

blows everybody else away, the hendrix of bass

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Should be in the top 10, he can make any bass sound amazing

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

Should definitely be way higher. This guy can play every kind of bass. Clearly a virtuoso. And to think.... he only picked up the bass because it was left over when he was trying out for band in school. I f he arrives earlier to class, we have Stanley .........on the drums? Q-Tip says, "Nah."

Added 6 years ago by flarkjr, 1 point

When his bass plays you know it's him! he has a "signiture sound" like no other. Very humble brother as well.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Yes the greatest of all. Saw him in the 70's in L.A. with George Duke. Go 3 1/2 minutes into this video and watch him jam for a couple of minutes with Armand
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbzUM6y6jNY

Added 6 years ago by RockAnthemGuy, -1 points

agreed stanley is pryetty much awesome

Added 6 years ago by Lord_nikon, 0 points

This Guy changed the game on how the bass is played. Everyone above him cant even carry his case!

Added 7 years ago by dstaylor212, 1 point

14.

Willie Dixon

Blues Stand-up Bass player one of the founders of Chicago Blues he wrote "Little Red Rooster", "Hoochie Coochie Man", "Evil", "Spoonful", "Back Door Man", "I Just Want to Make Love to You", "I Ain't Superstitious", "My Babe", "Wang Dang Doodle", and "Bring It On Home".

1856 points - added 6 years ago by dc99 - 3 comments

Comments:

Why are people debating Flea on the Willie Dixon entry, have some respect, Dixon was a founder of the whole Chicago Blues movement.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

flea doesnt even belong in top 20..

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

this should be the flea

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

15.

Abe Laboriel Sr.

Undoubtedly one of the best jazz bass players you will ever come across.

1816 points - added 6 years ago by jazzdave - 9 comments

Comments:

I've been an Abe fan for years and he is in my opinion the best. I hate saying that because there are many many greats. It's hard to compare different styles, but his unique playing allows him to be versatile and play with most genres of music. I know of him because I'm a bass player in the gospel field, but not limited to that genre.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 3 points

He's the best, no doubt about that. The reason people don't know him much is cos he's more into gospel, so you can't hear much from him unless you get into gospel.... Guys you are all missing something..

Added 3 years ago by guest, 5 points

His dad was a pro flamenco guitar player from Mexico. He has probably played on more Top 10 hits on this list than anyone - but don't let that turn you off. He can make anything groove. His band Koinonia is phenomenal...

Added 4 years ago by guest, 2 points

Abraham Laboriel is one of the top Bass Player of all times. He spent a lot of time in the studio, so you won't see him touring with some crazy ass band. He has a super low profile. But you can hear him on many of the super hits of the 80's and beyond. Check him out on YouTube, he'll make most bass players on this list look like garage band players.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 4 points

Unbelievable gospel and session musician. Look up "Give and it will come back to you" on you tube.
Session work with Paul SImon.
His son is McCartney's drummer.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

One of the greatest bassist, he has invented slap techniques and recorded more than 2000 songs… his style is awesome… he should be higher in this ranking

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

#88?come now,this cat is suppose to be on the top 10.See him play live in switzerland,the best.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Played on a wonderful album by Randy Crawford called Secret Combination

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

Has played more recording sessions than practically any other bass player in history.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

16.

Cliff Lee Burton (Metallica)

1745 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 45 comments

Comments:

i think a lot of people under rate him and over rate him he help build metallica to this very day i think if cliff wasn't apart of metallica they be where they are to this very day they all played there. but cliff gave a lot into metallica people talk about enter sandman a lot in my opinion i think enter sandman is there worse single ever!!!!! what about fade black? nobody talk's about fade to black only the real metal fans!!!!! cliff was something very special.

Added 4 years ago by guest, -1 points

I love cliff burtton and old Metallica and watching day at the green in 85 for whom the bell tolls is amazing and is a day that changed trash metal world and genre in general. Never saw him play and I wish I could have. I think he deserves any top ten spot on this list but I wouldn't rank him number one because there are many a great bassists that I'm sure influence cliff as much as he has bassists after him. Died too young and Metallica in my opinion died with him.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

if cliff burton is number 9, then lemmy kilmester should be at least 8... in this list no one can make up for 2 instruments, guitar and bass..... no disrespect to the guitarist of motorhead, but the drumer and lemmy could play alone and sound badass... just saying

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

How can anyone say "without a douby number 1" for any of these bassists? For one to say that would imply that one is completely familiar wih all of the other bassists on the list, and has cast aside pedjudice. Not likely.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

Without a doubt number 1, all you need to do is listen to the bass in any of Metallica's first 3 albums. Just ridiculous. If he was still alive this would be no contest.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 4 points

dude he should be number one in my oppinion

Added 4 years ago by guest, 4 points

no doubt.. he is really one of the best bassist player of all time.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 3 points

Great bass player but overrated. I think dying young in a tragic accident "undeservidely" raised his stock a couple of notches.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

Overrated.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

How the hell is this guy in front of Les Claypool?

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

shame*

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

He should be #1. No other spot for Cliff. Same on you people...

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

cliff was speed! i haven't see any bassist with such velocity with fingers!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

he should be 1 or 2, at least....

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

he's awesome...

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

Wtf? Why isn't he no1, or 2 at least. He could play with fingers songs, that some can't play with picks.
R.I.P. Clifford Lee Burton

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Dude, relax, your attitude is probably getting Cliff voted down. I'd rather see him at #5 than #10 or 11.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Anesthesia = "mostly arpeggios played through distortion, I believe a flanger pedal, and a wah wah pedal" Too many metal bassists make a big deal over the fact that Kill'em All featured a long bass solo as a song. Cliff's contribution was much more than that one solo. It actually weakens your argument to continually rely on it as proof of his skill.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Rock on cliff rules!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Cliff Burton certainly had his influences, they include Geezer Butler, Steve Harris, and Geddy Lee. I'm a huge fan of Burton-era Metallica also, but let's get our facts straight here.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Listen to for whom the bell tolls when the played day on the green.. Makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck!!!!! Clifford lee Burton 1962 to 1986... One of a kind....
Metal up your ass!!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

I call b.s. to that last comment -- Metallica didn't get popular or mainstream until later. He's not considered great "because he died" but because he was an innovator in his musical genre. Sounds like someone is jealous that it's Cliff up here instead of your personal favorite bass player.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Popular does not mean good. People only speak of him as "great" because he died.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

I wonders if Cliff Lee Burton did meet Flea on old days. Cliff good for Metallica, make them great band, sad what happen.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Down tune to a C? What do you mean? Metallica used standard tunings CLiff-era. Not sure if Newsted hit that low B string on his 5 string much, but Cliff used pretty much a standard EADG tuned 4 string bass.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Down tune to a C, and you will sound as great as Cliff, great player.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

I've seen Metallica 11 times post-Cliff and they are in a class of their own as performers with an unmatchable stage presence. Cliff is THE definitive bassist of our time and will be an inspiration for generations to come!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Probably the best Thrash metal bassist ever, sucks that he's dead. I can play his song but I can't keep the tempo yet, sadly.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

FIrst, Burton was a metal bass great. There's a lot of focus on his solos, but really, if you listen to the Albums Kill 'em All through Master of Puppets, what you'll hear is complex, innovative bass playing on every song. For those who might want to go revisit early Metallica, check out Cliff's bass on the song "The Call of Ktulu" (incidentally, former lead guitarist Dave Mustaine got a co-writing credit on this one, too, although he'd long since left Metallica before it was released ) on "Ride the Lightning"

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Cliff...man I am a bass player and i have some experience... Cliff is no 1 4 ever...compare all bass solos the world with Orion basses solos and u will see...^^

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

ya..
but i think Cliff lee burton should be number one..

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

Cliff Burton was the best period...

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

Cliff burton should be number one... no question

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

Clifford Lee Burton
Need I say any more?

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

Probably the greatest man who ever picked a bass guitar, he's sound was so intense, deep and beyond examples that Metallica was pretty much Cliff's band in the old days.
Influenced by punk, heavy metal and psychodelic rock Clifford Burton is the Hendrix of the bass, one of a million that can never be matched by other bassist.
God bless him.

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

I think Metallica was at its best with Cliff Burton. Goes to show how much an outstanding bassist can contribute to a band's overall sound.

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

what? he is the man who made orion he's nr 1 !!!

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

Has to be nr 1 by far

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

anesthesia and for whom the bell tolls were some of the best bass songs. he has to be at least no. 3

why the hell is cliff no 19? should be no 1 or 2 at least. and flea too

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

i never got to see cliff either, but did get to see Metallica in '88. They rocked, but i really would have loved to have seen cliff

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

I saw Metallica open for Ozzy in '86 before Cliff passed. A great player with a great stage presence.

Added 6 years ago by coker65, -1 points

Never got to see you play live...but your music will remain as part of the best metal to have ever been created.

Added 6 years ago by yyztsejam, -1 points

17.

Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)

1743 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 28 comments

Comments:

Steve is one of the greatest HEAVY METAL bassists of all time, period. His galloping technique glues everything what Iron Maiden is, in such a harmony and perfection. There is no one standout bass player that covers all genres. For example Paul Mcartney does not really stand out as one of the best bass players in the World, he is more known for being a beatle, you dont listen to their songs and say "Holy **** I want to play bass like Paul". Steve hits every note directly to your brain cells!

Added 3 years ago by guest, 3 points

Crazy lines, and crazy energy - He's the best metal bass player

Added 4 years ago by guest, 5 points

Oke im sorry to say to all you haters, but id love to see some of the other bassist try and play teh fckin bass in "caught somewhere in time". watch the the bones in there body shatter as the sheer awesomeness takes over and crushes there soul. Steve may not be the best, but he can play what no one else can play.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 5 points

ha..if you tried to play his stuff, you would break your fingers.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

He's mediocre.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -11 points

I have seen him play live and i must say that he is the single best bass player of all time. OH and he can sing! take that other bass players.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 10 points

best bassist eva. He made Iron Maiden's sound what it is.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 8 points

Harris would be number one or two on a list with just metal bassists for sure.
It's great to see him in the top 10 at least.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

listening to him is fun, at best, but it is kids stuff.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -4 points

Best bassist of all time -- any genre. Outstanding songwriter and lyricist as well.
Who else's music could you bring into 10th grade English class and have count as extra credit on your book report?

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Or number 1

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Harris should at least be near Cliff Burton . He is a genius and an idol.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

best bassist in th world, no dought

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

I see a lot of those bassists on this list, somewhere in the top 100 -- there are a lot and, yeah, people are going to vote up musicians they've actually heard of. I agree that there are some oddities, though -- even some puzzling line that has Yo Yo Ma (a Cellist!!) and Leroy Vinnegar (only misspelled)) on it as a single item.
What does Peter Tork have to do with Steve Harris?

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

When I look at this list, I think the top 50 contains the right names but maybe not in the right order. I agree, however, that Harris ranks up way higher than most classic rock and progressive rock bass players (although, that's an interesting statement about how Maiden could be the metal version of progressive rock). The R&B, Blues, Funk, Jazz, and Soul bassists deserve respect. I can't stand Country-Western music, but notice there are no bassists from that genre listed -- come on, there has to be some upright bass player from the 40's-50's era of that genre or something who deserves some kind of top 50 ranking.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Steve revolutionized heavy metal bass. the man can be considered a god.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

You know what. . . go listen to "Live After Death" again (assuming you've heard it at all). Harris's bass gets the same volume in the mix as the vocals. Harris wrote about 80% (or more) of those songs. Harris's technique and creativity make him at least a top 5 bassist on this list; I think having him at #1 validates most of this ranking, although I disagree with just about everone else until Wooten except for Burton.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

C'mon... everybody who knows about music knows that S. Harris is a good bassist but not even close to the best one. Do something and get Wooten, Jaco, and many other better bassists up to the top ones.

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

Because it's open voting on the Internet, what do you expect? Although, Steve Harris is an outstanding bassist -- at least in the top 20 in my own estimation.

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

This is so mixed up. Steve Harris as number one, are you serious? Is this truly a best bassist list or a "My favorite bassist list." There is so many all round better bassist than these top ten. I mean, Kim Deal as the second best bassist for all time? Give me a break. Do people actually listen to different types of bassists or just the ones they like, and if so how can you comment on this wall.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

this should be more specific to genre of music....
Ever heard of Jaco, Jamers Jammerson, Victor wooten.....Each one of those names would make any of these rock clowns combined look like little girls....lol

Added 6 years ago by guest, -4 points

Steve Harris is No.1; you gotta be joking -- Metallica do not produce the same quality as Iron Maiden. It is not even close -- get real!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

steve is THE best bassist ever..he should be at number 1

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Steve Harris and Iron Maiden in general are interesting in that they could almost be considered a progressive rock and metal fusion (much, much heavier music than, for example, "Yes" but no less complex in many regards).

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Below Paul McCartney? WTF?

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Why is this guy not number 1? He's written just about every Iron Maiden song and plays flawlessly.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Another living legend! His career, style and stage energy are unseen. I think one of the thing to consider is the number of people who has been inspired by him... A LOT!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

This man is the greatest bass player on this list at the exception of geddy lee. just watch him play live. he kicks ass.

Added 6 years ago by TheTrooper99, 1 point

18.

Bootsy Collins (Funkadelic)

1698 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 5 comments

Comments:

Bootsy is easily the greatest bass player of all time ....He's what Ali is to boxing.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 1 point

Although the list boasts a number of great bassists, Bootsy, certainly should be among the top 10. Funky, Jazzy , Masterful, he has always been one of the most sought after bassists on many musicians recordings. His credits don't just stop with Clinton and JB.

Added 5 years ago by Bison7956, 3 points

Bootsy is on the one and should be #1. We Want Bootsy......

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

Underrated in all top bassist lists!!!!!!!!!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Should definitely be in the top ten. Just ask George Clinton and James Brown. Bootsie IZ funk bass at its finest!

Really amazing bass player and arguably deserves to be higher in this list. Suggest listening to the album (or live) versions of Secret World (Peter Gabriel) to get a sense of what he brings to a track.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

Upon a few moments' reflection, I conclude that Peter Gabriel is not exactly a selling point here in getting more votes for Levin.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Peter Gabriel's music wouldn't be the same without him. That's why he's used him for three decades!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

At this point, 1 vote would bring him up from 172 to about 161. Why do people complain, but don't even vote?

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

I had to scroll down to 169 to see where you fools had him listed ? An innovator, a master, and top 10 for anybody who knows anything !

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Session players are always going to be more highly regarded by other musicians than they are the general public. Probably most people you talk to would know who Peter Gabriel is but be unable to name who plays bass for him. That leaves the King Crimson fan club who would recognize Levin's work.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

His work as Peter Gabriel's principal bass guitarist for over three decades is legendary!!!! Very unique. Bewildering.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Listen to Discipline for a superb bass (and Chapman Stick!) album.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

This guy is amazing!

Added 6 years ago by yyztsejam, 1 point

20.

Les Claypool (Primus)

1458 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 27 comments

Comments:

I know he's very skilled, but I just cannot stand Primus, and would put him lower.

Added 1 year ago by guest, -2 points

Les Claypool , really maybe ranked 1000th

Added 2 years ago by guest, 0 points

He wasn't accepted to Metallica because of a few reasons and none being that he was too good.
1. He played for whom the bell tolls and didn't know the opening riff was on bass and it was an awkward moment when the band was waiting for him to start playing it.
2. He said in an interview that, "The band was in all black, I had two different colors shoes on, ripped skater jeans and a blonde mohawk. There's a reason I didn't get the job."

Added 4 years ago by guest, -1 points

wasn't accepted to Metallica because band members thought he was too good. just sayin...

Added 4 years ago by guest, 8 points

Needs to be WAY higher.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 16 points

Les in my opinion is second only to Victor Wooten. Les is a virtuoso, he has mastered so many techniques on bass and can play anything he wants! Besides his songs he can also cover songs as good or better than the original.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

Vote the bassist not the band. . . The Bassist everybody! The Bassist!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

I believe that Claypool could be considered the #1 slap bass player.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

should be #1!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

les claypool is no doubt the greatest bass player

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

Les could easily be in the top 5 and top 3 for slap bass artists, he is incredible. but les said himeself thats his music wont catch you on the first listen. frizzle fry was an amazing album, their pink floyd cover of the album animals was also very entertaining

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Les Claypool, with his weird tunings, odd percussive style of bass playing, and pee wee herman sounding voice.
Primus is another one of those bands that either has its fanboys or people can't stand. In their early days, I think they had a demo tape or an EP entitled "Primus Sucks" because they realized their music wasn't for everyone. Interestingly, they got kind of mainstream in that they've been on a few movie soundtracks.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

les claypool definitely needs to be a hell of a lot higher than this him and the other bay area bass player on here cliff burton are the best cause they are both one of a kind.... so i would really appreciate if they could be at the top.. come on it's the right thing to do!!!!!!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

I'm sure there are better bassists than Les, but #19??!! That's just a little to low. Even if you hate the music he makes, he's still accomplished too much to be this low. I don't care how overrated he is, he belongs higher than this. 12 at LEAST.

Why the hell is Les down here??? I've been a fan of Les's work since I was about 4. I'm 15 now so do the math. Over the years I've seen him spill out album after album and they do all seem to be just as good as the last. But I'm gonna say of Whales of Woe was one of the best. Les should definitely be top 5 at least. He's worked so hard over the course of 25+ years. He's been a part of countless bands. Although each band represents a different side of him. Primus: a younger more hardcore Les. Frog brigade: more mature (not older) Les with a more technical style in his bass playings. Les could be easily placed as number 1 bass player to us that know him like I do.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Les Claypool should be no. 1 on the list!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Geddy Lee thought highly enough of Les and Primus to have them go on tour with them in the early 90's.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

ok lol everyone under les claypool is deffinatly NOT as good as him lol there should only be one bassist ahead of him and thats victor wooten. MAYBE john myung

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Well, think about it: most people who would bother with voting here probably play bass themselves. Most of these bassists, while excellent musicians, are or were in bands that aren't exactly on everyone's iPod these days (take Pastorius for example, it's not as though masses of people are listening to "Weather Report" and debating whether or not it's proper to call them a fusion band -- hell, I'll bet half of the bass players out there don't even listen to Weather Report and are just following the meme that their bass teachers had passed on to them).

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

"With Les down here, Geddy down at No. 5, this ranking is right on that line of Bassist Ranking vs. My favourite Band ranking.... Excentricity itself seems to rank genius bassists like Les down here" - Yeah right, 'cause Rush is just *soooo* popular too...

Added 6 years ago by guest, -2 points

Comments on the voting itself: realize that anyone can vote up or down 10 points on any of these and can then revisit the site and vote again later.
Some have figured that out, some haven't. I think that accounts for genres being voted up higher(maybe a few die hard fans of a band or player voting their heros up a bunch of times). If you think Claypool should be higher, then vote him up. Also, respect to whoever created this list, I notice their entries (including Les here) span multiple genres and don't fixate on one genre or era.

Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points

With Les down here, Geddy down at No. 5, this ranking is right on that line of Bassist Ranking vs. My favourite Band ranking.... Excentricity itself seems to rank genius bassists like Les down here. Credibility of these rankings need to be questioned.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

les should be in the top 5

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Les is down here because Les was already submitted and stands at (still rediculously low) 50.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Why is Les down here???? hes easily one of the best!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

oh now you got to be kidding me. easily able to split the top spot with giddy lee, john entwistle, and steve harris. get real guys. he is the standard.

Added 6 years ago by bass.is.evan, 2 points

21.

Rocco Prestia (Tower Of Power)

1436 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 4 comments

Comments:

Rocco Prestia under Bootsy Collins, come on!!

Added 1 year ago by guest, 0 points

Outstanding bassist, if you can play Only So Much Oil In The Ground, you have chops.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Nice to see him voted up.
One of the early masters of the electric bass.
He plays those notes like machine gun.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Are you kidding me? At least in the top 30 for sure. Rocco is the master of the 16th note. Fast pased, syncopated rhythems that have no equal. Listen to "There's only so much oil in the Ground" or "What is Hip" Then come back and vote.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

22.

Louis Johnson

brothers johnson , quincy jones , michael jackson ( billy jean )

1415 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 6 comments

Comments:

The late great Louis Johnson (1955-2015) should have been among the top 10, Thriller, Bad, I keep forgetting, Stay with me tonight, Herb Alpert, Quncy Jones, was at one time one of the mos in demand bassists for over a decade, I would rank him and james Jamerson near the top, they didn't just play the bass, like Larry Graham, they created music that was bass driven. There would be no Billie Jean without Louis.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 2 points

My bass hero, come on fellas and "look out for number one" for God's sake !!!

Added 1 year ago by guest, 3 points

If nothing else, listen to this man's work on Michael Jackson's Off The Wall album, or his work with Stanley Clarke.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 0 points

The whole concept is subjective. Was Paul McCartney better or worse than Chris Squire? Depends on whether you like the Beatles or Yes better. If people went by technical proficiency, then mostly session/studio and jazz players would be at the top of the list. If it went by who influenced whom then there probably wouldn't be any living players at the top of the list. Then you get into upright players vs. bass guitar players, etc. This is just for fun, after all, it doesn't actually mean anyone is "greater" than anyone else in the overall scheme of things based on where they fall on an online polling list.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

I mean I'm 20 years old and I know this guys amazing work and that he shuld be ranked much higher. so please all of you twelve year olds who voted Flea and Cliff (not to say that they are not great) in top spots, do a little research and come back more informed.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

Aww Cmon People!! You obviously do not know your bass when you have LOUIS JOHNSON all the way down here?...How old are the people posting on here, by some of the choices I can pretty much tell. Nobody can slap that bass, and thump it like this guy accept for Larry Graham. The OG's baby!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

23.

Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)

1398 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 9 comments

Comments:

The bass was such a huge part of Sabbath's music, not to mention he can write. Geezer is a top ten all the way.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 0 points

Too predictable.

Added 3 years ago by guest, -2 points

Very underrated basses should be in top 5.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

finest! Nobody in the history of metal can play bass like him! It was Geezer who brought that heaviness to BS!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

THE Godfather of bass,THE original metal bassist.The first to play like marching armies of doom.All true metal bassists are influenced by him whether they admit it or not.

Added 5 years ago by Tgod3neg, 0 points

Geezer is in my list of top 5 favorite bass players.
My list would be:
1. Harris 2. Burton 3. Butler 4. Chancellor 5. Kilmister
Of course, from that list, you can tell what kind of music I listen to (I know, some jazz disciple or other snob might have something sarcastic to reply, but metal rules no matter what you say).

Added 5 years ago by guest, -2 points

Geezer Butlers rank should never fall below the top 5. He may not have extravagant solos but the structure that he plays, the elegant harmonies he supplies, and his unbelievable fills are enough to show his brilliance. Lets also not forget he has the best tone in the biz!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Not every bassist uses a wah-wah pedal, while plenty of bassists do bass runs like John Entiwstle. This guy deserves #15-20th place for sure. I like the way he played around Tony Iommi's riffs rather than just doubling them. The original metal bassist in the original metal band.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

WTF!!! hes absolutley the greatest a real list he introduced wah wah pedal to bass and was one of the first really skilled bass player wats up with this list
1.jack bruce
2.GEEZER BUTLER
3.geddy lee
4.john paul jones
5 steve harris

Added 6 years ago by crunkalac, -1 points

24.

Chris Squire (Yes)

1360 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 26 comments

Comments:

A strong argument could be made that Chris Squire is the greatest rock bassist of all-time. He certainly shaped the style and sound of prog Rock. Both muscular and intricate, his playing is truly iconic and immediately indentifiable. He could make that Rickenbacker thunder or sigh. Rest in peace, Chris.

Added 3 months ago by guest, 2 points

He's the best bass player ever period.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 3 points

You need only to listen to Yes' first two albums to understand why he's a top 5 bassist. No argument. This list is funny.

Added 3 years ago by guest, 4 points

Chris Squire should be in the top 3, let alone top 10, his music really changed prog rock.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 5 points

I can't believe he is so low under allthe one who can't even play a solo like "The Fish" or "Ritual" or invent a bright bassline like "Roundabound", "Heart of the Sunrise", "Close to the Edge" or "Soundchaser". He should be in the top 3.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 9 points

Why his he not up there ? If Chirs Squire is # 53 Gene Simmons should be # 530

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

My goodness, why is Chris Squire here at number 50? He deserves a much higher spot.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

I think people were getting annoyed that other, more worthy, bassists were getting voted down on order to raise Squire's ranking by this one guy who wants Chris Squire to be #1 (it was pretty obvious when a lot of the top 20 were all voted down about a hundred points and Squire was voted up by hundreds of points, plus the comments). Now that that's stopped, maybe people will start to naturally vote Squire up again.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Chris Squire deserves a higher spot on here. I wonder how much of his low ranking is attributable to this fan who keeps whining on and insulting others. I do know that, about 6 months ago, there were a suspiciously high number of prog rock bassists up in the top 20 -- glad to see some genre diversification back in the list.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Wait, you're complaining that Squire isn't voted high enough? I thought you were whining that someone keeps voting up Squire past other people like Mark King. Either way, I don't think any one person can vote that much.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

People who accuse others of "cheating" are suspect themselves. It would surprise me that, if other people weren't voting more, this guy would have Squire at #1 simply because he has too much time on his hands and some kind of fixation on either Squire or Yes in general. Are there too many jazz players up at the top? Probably. I also see Steve Harris, Cliff Burton, and Flea up there, too. If there is some person out there with magical voting powers, I'm sure your incessant whinging (and I guess you're the guy who added 5 more Chris Squires) isn't going to change anyone's mind.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Looks like that cheating little moron is attacking Squire again. Doesn't change a thing anyway. At the end of the day Squire is still a great bass player, and that cheater is still a miserable earth worm. ;)

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Really -- Squire higher than Jaco? Just no way.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

It's hilarious how people whine on and on about these things. Squire is, eh, good, but about where he belongs at #30 or so. Why is Jaco Pastorius lower?!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Doesn't matter. Flea is really number 1.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

I don't know, except for a few weird ones (Kim Deal?) the top 20 look about what you'd expect. It's probably just how people are voting in. Maybe Geddy Lee should be higher and I would think people would rank Jaco up there, too. Was someone knocking Squire back in rank? That's not cool, people should only be able to vote up, in my opinion. I agree with what someone else said, Squire is at least a top 25 bassist.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Of course no one should get upset over a public poll. I can live with results obtained from fair play in a fair poll even if they're not to my liking. What upsets me is people cheating to push their favorites up by giant leaps and use the same strategies to push the competion down. We could have fun here changing the order of the list on a daily basis. But sadly some others prefer imposing their views by cheating and killing all the fun for others.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

No one should get upset over a public poll -- Chris Squire is an outstanding bassist. I saw Yes in concert when they were on the Union tour in 1991 (I was quite young then). It was excellent.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

It's odd to see Squire so low here. Maybe Anderson, Wakeman, and Howe came along and voted (just kidding).
FWIW, I gave him a vote. IMHO, he's a top 25-30 bassist compared to the rest on this list.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Well, you've just proven my point. Why not push him further down in the minuses? Oh! Let me guess. You think you are a person of principles. Ha ha! You're an idiot, a coward and a cheater. Let me laugh at you a bit. You deserve it to the fullest. Have fun here, if you're foolish enough to believe that your actions might effectively change reality. Disco and prog rock bass players are top acts in their respective genres. But you're a pretentious jazz listener. How would you know? Chris Squire is a gem. A truly unique musician. Get it? I guess not...

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Seems like someone with a very big voting power and a very small brain thrives on this site. Why keep on pushing Squire down over a bunch of jazz bassists who've been playing the same boring stuff for generations? Chris Squire is the most original bass player this world has ever heard.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

one of the greatest. what else can i say CHRIS ****ING SQUIRE

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

without question the greatest bass player ever. No-one else comes close

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Unique as a rock bassist for his classical training and approach. I love how he strays from the root. And you can't beat that trebbly-played with a pick-Rickenbacker crunch! Also a great vocalist.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Yes, (pun intended) Chris Squire was a seriously talented individual, both at crafting his basslines and playing them.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Extremely talented, albeit underrated bassist. Listen to "Roundabout" for some of the most well crafted bass lines in history.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points

25.

Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)

because he is fucking the best

1300 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 14 comments

Comments:

Dave gilmore played the important bass lines in the studio for the records. If it sounds too good to be Roger Waters , thats why. Roger Waters only talent is writing melencholly lyrics for downtrodden suicidal teens. Thats why everyone likes the floyd when there in Highschool, but quickly grow out of it.

Added 1 year ago by guest, -3 points

would have big problems in making it in top 100 ;)

Added 3 years ago by guest, 0 points

Waters is in no way, shape or form a great bass player. He is however a great composer and lyricist.

Added 4 years ago by guest, -5 points

"Money" has the best baseline ever.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 3 points

Sad to see again ( anad again and again) the big fans of Gilmour cannot stand any good things than can be told about Waters. Guys, these 2 men turn the page recently , you should do the same !

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Not a great bassist.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Yeah Gilmour deffinately didn't make the band, Roger was a founding member and he did write most of the material, I'd say he was a great bassist, not one of the absolute bests but I think he deserves a higher spot on the list. I do think that he is very underrated when it comes to the top songwriters of all time. To me he will always be brilliant.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

While waters was in the band up until momentary lapse and division bell he wrote about 80percent of Floyd stuff, yeah gilmour was good but whoever says waters is over rated hasn't a clue what they are on about

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Listen to his bass solo on "Let there be more light"! I think you would say he is THE one! Other essentials records: "Dark Side of the Moon", "Meddle" and "Wish you were here".

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Waters was an excellent vocalist -- I think his voice gave out on him sometime in the late 1980's, though.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

overrated for sure.
Gilmour made the band - but stayed quiet. High Hopes is proof of that. If I can play his base lines, that says something right there !
Excellent vocalist ??? what's with that !?

Added 5 years ago by guest, -3 points

Excellent vocalist and songwriter, but, unless you're really into studies of minimalist bass playing in E minor and F# minor (yes, I realize they played in other keys sometimes, but come on), then I question why Waters would be so high on this list.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

some of his lines (like one of these days) are absolutly amazing

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Not the best, but he's certainly very talented. Also the head songswriter (and dictator for a while...) of the most successful progressive band in history.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

26.

Ray Brown (Dizzy Gillespie, the Ray Brown Trio, and others)

1263 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 5 comments

Comments:

Happy Birthday RB. You are the King of the Quarter Note.

Added 1 month ago by guest, 0 points

25 Ru kidding. This man plays the bass like no one. A master that comes around once in a lifetime. Put some cans on and listen to an album like Soular Energy and educate yourself.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 1 point

He should easily be in the top 5. The votes on here are all messed up. You guys need to learn something about music, not just what rocks. If you want skill, creativity, tone, timing, and groundbreaking playing Ray sets the bar for ALL bass players, no matter what style.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

goodness. should be way way higher on the list.--
the man played with oscar peterson, joe pass, herbie ellis, and others. he wasn't flashy, just the best. and, played only with the best.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

great

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

27.

Jack Bruce (Cream)

The main vocalist of the band as well as the bassist, Bruce's talent is legendary, His ability to blend blues and jazz riffs while anchoring a band built on razor sharp precision makes him one of the best ever.

1260 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 20 comments

Comments:

Jack Bruce is in the top 3 if not number 1 all time.
Listen to live cream songs. Nobodies close

Added 1 year ago by guest, 0 points

jack bruce played for frank zappa in the early 70's.
'nuff said. Frank don't **** around.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 0 points

Totally IDIOT !!!.....JACK BRUCE >>>should be in the top 3 if not #1 !!!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 1 point

What is this, Jack Bruce should at least be in the top 10

Added 2 years ago by guest, 2 points

Listen to "Crossroads", "Badge", "SWLABR", "White Room", "I Feel Free", or any song by Cream! Jack Bruce beats out just about every bassist above him on this list.
Also, it's his 70th Birthday today!

Added 3 years ago by guest, 2 points

Putting Jack Bruce this low tells us that most folks doing this don't understand what's what.. He redefined what people expected of rock bassists. Having him as low as 25 is just silly.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

If you want listen bass, listen.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

The greatest of them all full stop. Before Bruce the terms "bass player" and "creative" were mutually exclusive! Never mind Cream, listen to Jack's solo stuff, or Lifetime. For a little fella he stands head and shoulders above the rest!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

While I respect Jack Bruce's skills, I think a few of these comments comparing him to classical composers, etc, overrate him. He is to Cream what Noel Redding was to the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Geezer Butler was to Black Sabbath, or Jack Casady was to Jefferson Airplane -- incredibly reliable and at times very innovative blue-rock bassist, but not much more than that. I'd venture to say that John Paul Jones took blues rock bass to another level and branched out much further. Of course, that's just an opinion.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -5 points

Unique, soulful, brilliant. Bach-like counterpoint, a heart like Mingus. It's not just in bad-taste to place him at 27, it's naive.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

I'm surprised! I would've expected Jack Bruce and Geddy Lee to be higher!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

jack bruce -- brilliant at improvisation. uses the bass like a solo instrument and a total extension of himself. he makes the instrument sing. love the bass line in I'm So Glad. top five for me, along with eg stanley clark, jaco pastorius, charles mingus.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

I tend to put Jack Bruce and Noel Redding on the same general level. Sure, Bruce also sang, but we're talking about how well they play bass. Solid blues-rock players, both.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Bruce is a top 10 musician and as McCartney one of the top inspirations of many of these musicians and some younger ones unknowingly. -V

Added 5 years ago by glennv, 1 point

ridiculous. he played bass like it was a lead guitar. top 10 at the least.
- rotifer

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

listen to 'brave tales of ulyesses'

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

you keep up with baker

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

invented balls out whaling, top five get him up there, awesome harmonica too

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

This is way to low for Jack Bruce

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Bruce isn't my favorite bassist, but 23rd place is a joke. Top 10 at the least!

Added 6 years ago by coker65, 1 point

28.

Greg Lake (EL&P)

1255 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 3 comments

Comments:

Can you fsee he is one the best? He could sing it in "Tarkus" in addition of his bright bass line, or in "Karn Evil9". I have a name for his technique: "21st Century Schizoid Bass". Definitely one the brightest!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

Amazing bassist. He influenced me to play bass. Just listen to "Tank" off ELP's first album. He doubles emerson's lines perfectly. The timing, the grace... it's all there.
the list should be
1. John Entwhistle
2. John Paul Jones
3.Paul McCartney
4. Greg Lake
5. Geddy Lee
6. Jermaine Clement

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Can't forget his work on In the Court of the Crimson King either... 21st Century Schizoid Man having ridiculous bass and whatnot.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

29.

Verdine White (Earth, Wind, and Fire)

This guy is awesome. Some of the funkiest stuff ever.

1224 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 5 comments

Comments:

Verdine deserves a much higher ranking. Roger Waters higher? Pink Floyd is my favorite rock band of all time, but listeners should put on a pair of decent headphones and focus in on White's playing. It's remarkable how versatile, technical, and musical his playing is.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 0 points

79? This is a joke...right?

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

Mr. Verdine White, the fire of Earth Wind & Fire, is easy the top 5. What in the world are people thinking placing him in #65.
Someone need a note from God to explain this one. This man is a gift from God to us in the earth to take note. Listen to how to keep a beat and move with style and grace. Ricky Reed, Houston, TX

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

one of my Top 5 along with Mark King!!....this dudes bass is as crazy as he is!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Verdine White is the greatest bass player of all times. this list is not credible with him at 93. You must be kidding!!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

30.

Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones)

1180 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 4 comments

Comments:

I disagree with the above negative comments about Wyman's musicianship.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

Since I was a kid I rated Wyman as the weak link in the band.A very very poor bass player.Sorry to have to say that. He could not shine the boots of anybody in this list!

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Wyman is a much more talented bassist than he usually gets credit for. His sense of timing and practical innovation are part of what gave the Rolling Stones their sound.
A lot of amateur bass players can "fake" a Rolling Stones song pretty easily but, if you were to try to play it note for note on a fretless (or fretted) bass to match Wyman's style, you'll see how much attention he paid to timing, tone, his bass lines uniquely bringing together Richards' guitar style and Watts' drumming.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

He deserves to be higher, his lines were very complex. He also invented a fretless bass five years before it was commercially avaliable and was one of the first to use it in popular music.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

31.

John Wetton (Asia, Roxy Music, King Crimson)

1143 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 11 comments

Comments:

Lead singer also. Prolific songwriter. King Crimson and UK. He is a brilliant musician and lovely voice.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 2 points

Gene Simmons is no musical retard. You, sir, are mistaken.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

A fantastic versatile player and improvisor. That he is below such musical retards as Gene Simmons and Krist Novoselic is criminal.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

And everyone forgot his work in Family.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Have you ever heard the bass riff of "Starless" or all the live tracks of "Starless and Bible black" or even the two parts "Larks Tongues in Aspic" or the funky "Easy Money" or the quiet "Fallen Angels"? I think the answer is no or he would be in the top 20.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

God Bless John Wetton.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

"I mean, seriously, Asia? You framed an Asia poster? How hard did the people at the frame store laugh when you brought this in?" -- from the movie 40 Year Old Virgin, lmao

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

The greatest performer that I have ever witnessed. The chosen one, the golden son. God shines on this man.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Great in his prime, and one of the great voices of rock.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Yes, the superb playing,always excellent, John Wetton. The Paul McCartney of Progressive Rock.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

One of the finest composer / performer's of Our time. King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Wishbone ash, UK ,ASIA, Roxy Music, etc. He did session work for "George Martin" in his earliest days as a pro. A Brilliant musician!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

32.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike and the Mechanics)

Fantastic progressive and multi-talented long-time bassist for Genesis. Rutherford's bass playing involved the bass with high treble, use of a pick and a fuzz box. Genesis "classic" recordings often featured simultaneous 12 string guitar and Dewtron "Mister Bassman" bass pedal synthesiser playing by Rutherford. He used the famous Moog Taurus bass pedals as well by the Trick of the Tail Tour. Often, bass guitar, 12-string guitar, and bass pedal playing would feature in different sections of a single song, "Supper's Ready", "Firth of Fifth", and "The Cinema Show" being good examples of this. He often played a double necked instrument, custom built from a separate Rickenbacker hollowbody 12-string and 4001 bass. Rickenbacker later issued double neck bass/guitar combinations with 4080/6 and 4080/12 models. However, Rutherford had the guitar in the top position rather than the 4080's stock guitar on bottom. He later had a custom Shergold double neck made with Mike requesting the body be modified so that each neck could be detached and played as a standard single neck instrument.

999 points - added 5 years ago by guest - 4 comments

Comments:

mike is much higher than 33 this guy is top 5

Added 9 months ago by guest, 1 point

Just listened to some Rutherfords work on Robber, Assault and Battery, complex with time changes all over the place. If you played bass with Genesis you had better bring it or they would have gottten someone who would have.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 0 points

So why is a bass god affter Sex Pistols' bassist? Is it a joke? Listen to the epic bass in "Watchers of the sky", the highly dynamic "Firth of Fifth", the quiet bassline of " TheFountain of Salamics", the monster bass of "The Return ofvthe Giant Hogweed", the furious riff of "supper's Ready" or to the busy parts of "The Battle of Epping Forest". One word: UNDERRATED!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

How can he not be so much higher??!?

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

33.

Guy N'Sangue

He tops at least 80% of all in this list.

966 points - added 5 years ago by guest - 4 comments

Comments:

Laid back and the personification of cool while lying down monster grooves.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Don't know what it is about Cameroon but there have been some killa bassists coming out of there for the last 10 years including Guy! Monster stuff!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Jean-Luc Ponty ALWAYS has premier bassists and Guy was no exception!!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Have seen a lot of bass players live as well on CDs. have never seen one better.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

34.

Aston Barrett (Bob Marley & the Wailers)

933 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 5 comments

Comments:

Best bass ever! from hearth. he wasnt a "star" he was a normal guy!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 0 points

for me he is the one of the top 10. # 8 i guess. he deserves to be. he came to a third world country. a very talented person. thanks to the family man, one of the person who invented the reggae music. without him and his brotrher carlton, i guess bob would not be popular reggae artist right now.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 2 points

The Art of Walking Bass is invented by the great Reggae Bass Player... The Legendary Aston The Familyman Barrett.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Very under rated. His simple patterns allow the other instruments to interweave between him. It's the notes he doesn't play that makes his bass so special. Sometimes he's right on the beat, sometimes slightly behind but the sound is always fat and round. He never overplays. He abides by the less is more concept.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Family Man

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

35.

Mark King (Level 42)

C mon, how old are the kids posting here, Is this a joke? Mark King is phenominal! this white boy plays with some serious funk! and hes so ****ing fast on this instrument. He's from the U.K. still plays with Level 42 (a totally underated band from the 80's) unlike almost all controlled record company "music whores" that are pimped out like prostitues, but instead have chosen not to sell their souls and are appreciated for REAL music and the Mark's bass

897 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 18 comments

Comments:

To play bass well is one thing. To play bass and SING well at the same time is quite another. This is something that most people just don't seem to co-relate, and is evident in comments throughout this web page. The ability to do both at the same time is a true sign of a talented musician. I liken it to patting your head whilst rubbing your stomach. How good are you at doing that ?
Mark King can play a rapid slap-bass and sing well at the same time. The guy is brilliant.
John Entwistle with all his talent could NOT do that.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 8 points

He should be in the top 10. Any bass player the sings and plays a bass like he does should be toward the top of the list!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 2 points

Amazing that he is not in the Top 3 !!!!
GREAT bass player, really impressive live.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 2 points

In the 80's Mark King was voted best bass player in a poll of his contempories. Says it all really.
This list is complete and utter rubbish, how any rock guitarist strumming a few noted could be ahead of someone as technical as Mark "The Bass" King is just idiotic

Added 3 years ago by guest, 2 points

One of the great bass players of all time, should be higher up the list

Added 4 years ago by guest, 9 points

Without a doubt in top 5 "percussive/slap" type players - personally I rank him #1 because of these facts - sings all the lead parts - has a catalog of what 200 songs ? - and can play fingerstyle etc..
Yes Victor Wooten and many other players have the same level of talent with "percussive" style playing - but do they sing all the lead vocals at the same time ?

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

I have to agree. Mark Kings is up there as probably the best UK bass player to date..
He is an inspiration on how to hammer on a bass

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Mark King is god and No:1 in my book; seen him twice with Level 42 and blew me away both times! Listen to the music everyday just amazing.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

The man, the legend. Flea is NOTHING compared to this man. His slap is the best in the world, unquestionably. His fingerstyle is up there too- he has it all. It is hugely disrespectful to put him this low. Top 5 at the very least.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

The best I have seen, PERIOD

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

Mark King is THE king, move him up! (Living it up, living up, I can feel it!)

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

I concur, Mark King should be way up there!! I think he should be in the Top 5 at least...!!! hes bass is freakin amazing..really UNDERATED!!...Love games does indeed have some crazy ass bass!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

QA results placed him in the top 75.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

I'm sure when this list is QA'd by real musicians they will realize why Mark King should be in the top 3. My vote is num 1 but I have to check up.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Mark King is not only top 20, he is top five guys. I'm a bass player myself, and anyone who write, play, SLAP his bass the way he does, while singing, hahahaha...the guy is not even funny. Please guy, youtube him and please please appreciate the unorthodox talent this guy's got...once in a while comes a guy like Mark King, once in a while only...

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

Slap bass specialist -- should be top 20 for sure.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

mark king is a fantastic bass player and is definitely ranked up there with the rest of them,he holds the world record for the fastest bass player of all time and frontman of british band level 42,great stage performer and singer

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Mark king is the king of slap bass....listen to Love Games if you want to hear some crazy ass bass playing.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

36.

Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister (Motorhead, Hawkwind)

867 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 9 comments

Comments:

For me Lemmy is the best.

Added 4 years ago by guest, -1 points

to me lemmy is the best.... because the way he plays, makes up for 2 instruments, bass and guitar... who the hell can do that?

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

Why the hell is Lemmy No.26? He should be atleast in the top 10.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

he is the best

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Why is Lemmy number 28 here? I think he should at least be in the top 12.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Lemmy is god plain and simple.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Just remember that the coolest indiviual on the face of the planet is a bass player!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Lemmy's style is definitely original -- the way he plays bass like it's a hybrid between bass and rhythm guitar yet still maintaining a distinctive bass sound.
I think you could almost take the guitarist out and have just Lemmy and a drummer and still have a heavy band (not to denigrate any of Motorhead's guitarists).
Lemmy + Metallica, even with Rob Trujillo also on bass sounds awesome -- typically two basses would sound too muddy, but Lemmy is right there with James, adding some heaviness, while you can still hear Rob playing the bassline back in the rhythm section with Lars.
Aside from bass, ever notice how when Lemmy plays with Metallica, it makes James Hetfield sounds like a higher range vocalist (mid-range, really, but just Lemmy's voice is so much lower and raspier), haha.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

If awesome took the form of a human, Lemmy could kill him with his stache.

Added 5 years ago by ToeEaterJim, -2 points

37.

Justin Chancellor (Tool)

This guy pushes the bass to new limits. Listen to some of his stuff and you will see.

859 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 11 comments

Comments:

I think he ought to be higher in this list. His bass riff for Schism always lands itself as #2 or #3 for best bass riff. Usually just behind Another One Bites The Dust by Queen. How's that for the bassist here as #37? Also he should be #1 just for his characteristic tone. Gotta love that Wal.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 5 points

Justin IS THE BEST BASSIST without any doubt.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

I agree that Justin is one of the best and one of my personal favorite bass players.
I wish I could play bass even half as well as he can.
Justin is almost like a younger generation's Geddy Lee (and if you really listen to Tool and listen to Rush, that might make more sense that it sounds when you first hear it).

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Really? What a joke. He's a top ten maybe top five. Anyone who has heard Tool, even if they don't like it, will tell you that all the musicians are great but the musical schemes and writing and progressive techniques weren't for them. Anyone who has heard Tool will tell you Justin is one of the best of them all.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

i definitely think he needs to be moved up.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

He is the greatest bass player ever. Hands down #1.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

He has got to be one of the greatest, if not the single greatest bass player in terms of rhythmical progression.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

someones must be hi, #25? wtf!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

most creative bassist of all time

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

WOW 49 really?

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

wow how isnt he in the to 30 at least TOOL destroys

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

38.

Kim Stone

855 points - added 5 years ago by guest - 2 comments

Comments:

Jazz Fusion.

Added 3 years ago by snazzycat, -1 points

The Rippingtons..

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

39.

Mick Karn

855 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 8 comments

Comments:

Watch his fingerwork on the live version of "Canton" ! Should be top 10, period.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

It's nice to see Karn in the top 50. No one plays like him. Best demonstrations of atypical abilities are on both albums Tin Drum & Gentlemen Take Polaroids. He won me over at first note on The Art Of Parties.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

This guy's bass lines are absolutely the most original and distinctive you'll hear. Mick sadly died of cancer this year, but check out all the YT vids of others playing his riffs and lines by searching Mick Karn bass.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Yep.....R.I.P. MIck

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

RIP Mick, your legend will outlive us all.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

very underrated. I advise any lovers of bass to listen to Japan's Quiet Life album. Any track will demonstrate his style and skill, but track 7, Alien, is my personal favourite - superb.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Mick's bass work is absolutely mesmerizing. All the best to him and his family as he battles cancer.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Great fretless specialist -- totally under-appreciated even today. Should be top 20.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

40.

Jason Sheff

Bassist for highly successful Chicago since 1983. Replaced Peter Cetera's vocals also. Multi talented and has created his own identity within the band.

854 points - added 6 years ago by RefRoc - 4 comments

Comments:

Jason is a very talented bassist as well as his vocal range. He can sing and play some great licks while he is doing it! He had some big shoes to fill when Peter left Chicago and he filled them very well .

Added 2 years ago by guest, 1 point

Jason joined Chicago in mid-1985 when Peter Cetera left to pursue a solo career.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

Jason Scheff..

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

5 stars..

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

41.

Phil Lesh

850 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 11 comments

Comments:

If you care to know why should Lesh be higher in this list, you need to listen to an album called: From te Mars Hotel. Not only his writing, in Pride of Cucamonga and Unbroken Chain, is majestic, but also his sound. It is my humble opinion that PL should rank in the top 10. He truly revolutionised the sound of the bass.

Added 3 years ago by guest, 2 points

wow....hard to know where to start. I hate to judge but must say anyone not 'getting' Lesh's brilliance either lacks musical taste or fails to understand the importance of nuance in music. Lesh is a master and provided a bottom to the band that often displayed innovation and sheer talent.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

His sensibility can be interesting. His tone and texture is just awful. Technically adequate, nothing like some of these other players. But, much to appreciate anyway.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -2 points

The Grateful Dead were one of the best jam bands of all time. Listen to some of their live performances and you'll see how Phil was essentially and orchestra conductor with his bass (in a good way, not that he just waved his bass around like a conductor's baton, it was through his playing).

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Anyone who has seen him play knows that he is really a very proficient and innovative bassist. While with the GD he was able to hold a very chaotic sound together while adding a whole new element to it, and his solo ability was really outstanding. He was also a very consistent player, able to shine in almost every performance - I believe he is one of the most underrated bassists of all time.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

The comment above stating that Phil had no formal training and thus couldn't play seems uninformed to me. Phil Lesh had formal music training as a violinist prior to picking up the electric bass in the mid-1960's when it was still a relatively new instrument. He is considered an early pioneer and innovator of rock bass.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Phil Lesh is overrated as is, the guy never took any formal training from a bassist, he doesn't play anything other than noodling around the melody line, he can't play solos worth a damn and he is famous because enough drug addicts bought their albums and attended their concerts. being famous doesn't they are any good, example: The Monkees. They out sold the Beatles, yet only one of them actually knew how to play an instrument.

Added 6 years ago by guest, -7 points

2 words... "Phil Bomb".

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

I completely agree with my man physcadelic, could'nt have said it any better.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Phil should be higher on the list simply for holding down and facilitating some of the greatest improvizations ever played. Also able to improvize in sync with Jerry's frantic noodling, truely a legend in his own right.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Phil lesh is one of the most under-rated players of all time. The Greatful Dead would have never been the incredible music pioneers that they were without his talent. While Im a huge fan of Garcia, I have to say that Phil was just as important to the band as Garcia. The bass players above ^ may be more famous and flashy, but when it comes to sheer talent and inginueity Phil crushes nearly allof them

Added 6 years ago by psychadelic, 2 points

42.

Mark King - Level 42

799 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 3 comments

Comments:

this is a duplicate - see much higher up!!!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

He should be no.1! no doubt about it.

Added 6 years ago by C.I. Bassist, 1 point

Great bass player and singer/songwriter. Check him out with his band
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oMyet-lXEk
and solo
www.youtube.com/watch?v=93VqyeUz8Z8

Added 6 years ago by RockAnthemGuy, 1 point

43.

Noel Redding (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)

762 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 5 comments

Comments:

A passable bass player at best with an awful live tone. I'll take Jack Cassidy or Billy Cox over him any day.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 3 points

Redding is a better player than Mark King? Dinnae think so.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

He was truly a great bassist. Just listen to tracks like "Fire", "You Got Me Floatin'", "She's So Fine"

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Jimi didn't think he was a great bass player; he went back and rerecorded some of Noel's bass parts in the studio. But then he was Jimi Hendrix...

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

He was kind of like JPJ: overshadowed by an amazing guitarist and drummer.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

44.

John Mcvie ~ Fleetwood Mac

756 points - added 6 years ago by tboneya - 4 comments

Comments:

John McVie was lucky to be in Fleetwood Mac. Not a writer, a solid if unimpressive bass player and not a singer. Yet he is a millionaire, good for him.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

John McVie contribution to blues, blues rock, and the whole modern rock scene is priceless. NO WAY should he be here at 199, he is a top 10 player.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

why not in TOP 10?!?! incredible bass player! This list is totally messed up! Seriously though he is so underrated here!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

should be top 10... listen to early john mayall and fleetwood mac (1968-70)... very influential

Added 6 years ago by chap, 1 point

45.

Billy Sheehan (Niacin, Mr. Big, Steve Vai)

743 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 10 comments

Comments:

#45? Really? Doesn't say a whole lot 'bout who it is that made up this list.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 3 points

What Joke !!! He is one of the best in the world !!! and Flea is ranked better than Billy PLEASE !!!

Added 4 years ago by guest, 6 points

This site I thought was the Greatest Bass Players of all time? I guess you should change it to the most popular band with a good bass player in it. To have Billy so low on this list is crazy. Who else but bass players are gonna go to this site? I would list him #one to #five depending on the type of music you lean to. There are some amazing bass players on youtube that would rank in this site.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 9 points

absolutely a joke! BIlly would eat all of these top 29 players whole without even chewing.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 9 points

30!! is it a joke??

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

he should be on the top not flea.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Talent is one thing, but have you ever heard Mr. Big? It was an 80's hair band at best.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

ARE YOU SERIOUS ALL THE WAY AT 28??? People really don't know their bass players.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

One of the most technically proficient bassists of the mid-late 1980's. Of course, David Lee Roth needing top talent (Sheehan, Vai, to make his solo career go anywhere (which it did for a while, anyway).
Although, I think Sheehan will always be one of those musicians' musicians whose name will be well known among bassists more than popularity of any band he played for.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

Billy Sheehan was so amazing.. I think he is the best player in all the list here..

Added 7 years ago by jamesabuda, 5 points

46.

Roger Glover Of Early Deep Purple. Just listen to the begining of highway star or any Deep Purple. He played like he was playing lead Guitar!

733 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 1 comment

Comments:

So you're saying to be a great bass player, you have to play it like a lead guitar??? That's why they have Les Pauls and Strats.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 1 point

47.

John Myung

AMAZING

729 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 23 comments

Comments:

This guy should be #1!!!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 0 points

Myung is #1 !!!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 0 points

This guy is absolutely incredible...top 3 for me

Added 3 years ago by guest, 1 point

John Myung is on my Top 5 list.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 2 points

john myung should be #1...
try to listen how monstrous this guy can play...

Added 4 years ago by guest, 3 points

Number one on my list.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

This list sux. Myung should be No 1.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

This is guy is top 5 talent. Try to listen to DT more dude

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

So, how many of these fellas play a 6-string bass? Why is this guy so underrated? I am lost.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

top three

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Top 10, 1st in this list for me coz he's so cool mate.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

top 3 for me

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

BE OBJECTIVE GUYS!!!! Myung is the best bassist(techncly)!!listen up, and prove that im wrng!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Currently 63 But should be Top 10! this man is a technician on the bass. Damn shame people!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

John Myung one of the best bass players of all times, top ten at least, next to geddy lee technically speaking.... I can't believe that he is 61, he's one of the greatest

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

john myung is the great bassist i have heared.,.,he is definitely the best.,.,

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

John Myung at 105! This is blasphemy!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 3 points

This man is so much better than 124. It's honestly scary to see him ranked below Nikkie Sixx or whatever the hell his name is, or the guy from the freaking sex pistols, or the guy from Rancid, or almost anybody else on this list. He truly should be an icon for the intense technicality of the stuff he plays, but sadly, some of the greatest are rarely recognized.

Added 5 years ago by porcupinetheater, 2 points

While maybe not as influential as some of the higher ranking members, he definately has taken the bass and excelled at it in such an unprecedented way. Definately top five for me.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Definitely top five for me!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

one of the greatest of all time

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

Top ten indeed!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

The must unspoken band member of Dream Theater with an amazing talent. Myung's bass playing leaves me speechless. Top 10 if you ask me.

Added 6 years ago by yyztsejam, 2 points

48.

Phil Lynott

715 points - added 7 years ago by mikeyb23 - 5 comments

Comments:

Lynott is one of the greatest bass players ever.
Try listening to Thin Lizzy, more than on the pub at 1:30.
He was a genius ...

Added 1 year ago by guest, -1 points

Phil Lynott is one of the best bass players ever for sure, not only he is a great bass player but also a great singer and composer, listen to his groovy bass playing

Added 2 years ago by guest, 1 point

Phil Lynott at 183??? Proves there are a lot of people who have no knowledge of music. Lynott is still generally regarded as one of the greatest bass players ever. As has been said waiting for an alibi and dancing in the moonlight have awesome bass lines.

Added 5 years ago by electriczoo, 2 points

Phil Lynott evolutionised bass guitar in several genres. He introduced funker bass into Hard Rock and Celtic Rock which caused a new trend of music in Ireland which in time would influence future Gems like U2 and other upcoming Irish bands

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Phil Lynott absolutely should be higher. The only reason he's not is because most US fans have underratted Thin Lizzy for years. Listen to "Waiting for an Alibi" and "Dancing in the Moonlight" and I guarentee that will change your opinion. Top 20 for sure.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

49.

Mike Porcaro

Session bassist for many huge artists. You're an idiot if you don't know who he is. He's the real deal. Always been. Always will be.

711 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 2 comments

Comments:

Mike Porcaro (born Michael Joseph Porcaro, May 29, 1955, South Windsor, Connecticut) is best noted as the bass player in the Grammy Award winning band, TOTO. (wikipedia)

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Mike is the real thing.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

50.

John Deacon

698 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 14 comments

Comments:

I've been playing the bass guitar for over 30 years now, but when I have to name my great example, I definitely say John Deacon. For me he is the Bass Boss!

Added 1 year ago by guest, 1 point

As a rock bassist, he should be in the Top 10!

Added 3 years ago by guest, 6 points

he should be in the top 10

Added 4 years ago by guest, 6 points

Bass player of the 70's, 80's and beyond.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 4 points

very underrated bassman. Great melodic lines, great sound, cool perfomances on stage.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 5 points

One of the best. Bass in Millionaires Waltz is brilliant to say the least.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 7 points

His bass lines were creative and took on a life on its own. Heaven to listen to.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 7 points

One of the very best. Totally underrated. Paul Gambaccini called him Queen's secret weapon. And he was. People always go on about the other three- but without Deacon, it would have been a very different story. He wasn't 'just' a bass player, he was one of the best of all time.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

No freaking way he is as I type 69th on the list. Quiet and introverted, yet Queen would not have had its biggest US hit "Another one bites the dust", which Deaky penned. Also a brilliant engineer, having made the Deaky Amp, which made Brian May's lead guitar what it was. A legend

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

Comments before me say it all.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

He was one of the greatest rock composers of the 20th century. John revolutionized rock forever. His bass lines are recognized anywhere. He is very talented and has left a mark in fans and in history. Should be much higher. C'mon. Another one bites the dust and under pressure. Legendary.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 6 points

58?? Come on John was a finger plucker and wrote some great bass lines. Highly underrated Bass player.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

he has to be higher Queen sold 300 million records and released 20 albums now you do the math

Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points

As versatile as the band he played in. One of the more melodic bass players in rock.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 6 points

51.

Gary Thain (Uriah Heep)

692 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 5 comments

Comments:

A bit of a giggle some of the players that sit higher than Gary Thain.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 2 points

Saw him live twice in the early 70's. Deserves a much higher ranking!

Added 5 years ago by raz57, 4 points

As a teenager in the 70's Gary Thain was the 1st Bass player I really sat up and noticed, and to this day I still think he was one the best I've ever heard!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

It's a joke to see Gary Thain in place 130, but then again, public vote does not say who is truly the best. People tend to vote for the bands they like, and who remembers Keef Hartley and Uriah Heep today?

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

One of the greats, died far too soon.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

52.

John Lodge Moody Blues

Great music, Great bassist

684 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 3 comments

Comments:

Listen to "The Story in your Eyes" and you'll see why he belongs higher in this chart!

Added 1 year ago by guest, 0 points

Listen to "Nights in White Satin", "Lunch Time" and "Ride my see-saw" and you'll think he should be in the top 100!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

John's playing of electric and upright bass plus cello is awesome.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

53.

Christopher Wolstenholme (Muse)

cause he is the man !

683 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 12 comments

Comments:

he deserves to be so much higher, his bass lines are very catchy and he is so good live, just watch live videos of the small print or deadstar and you'll see

Added 2 years ago by guest, 0 points

just listen Panic Station.. Its a simple line but you will never forget it, he tought about the structure on the spal part... and all the muse songs have a sticky bass line

Added 3 years ago by guest, 0 points

Chris NEEDS to be higher on this list!!!!!!!!!!

Added 4 years ago by guest, -1 points

Although I'm much more of a Classical/80's Metal person, Chris isn't the most technically skilled bassist, or the fastest but you can hear the emotion in his playing. He's probably number 1-3 on my list for bassists in the 21st century.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Wolstenholme is good but, if he's going to be voted up this high, as a stylistic comparison, John Deacon should be higher.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

one word... legendary!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

If you havnt really listen to this guy plz don't add or take away points. This guy has some of the catchiest bass lines I've ever heard. Highly under rated. Very Inventive. He has already made a name for himself and their first album came out just over a decade ago. These guys are no where's near finished yet either. Can't wait to see what else this Bass Monster brings to the table. Also loves the way he favors the Sovtek Big Muff distorted. Very distinct sound.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

prob one of the most inventive bassist of his generation... not a massive muse fan, but Chris's driving bass lines deserve top 20

Added 6 years ago by knob, 0 points

:) Chriisss!!! for me... you´re the number 1!!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

what!!!??? Chris here??? ÖMG.... he is the muse of the bass!!!... I do not think he deserves this position...

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Not only Hysteria, listen to every single one of their songs and there is a good bassline, and he has quite a high non falsetto range, (except for dont listen to guiding light, their worst song every). His jams are brilliant too, and he manages to play his complicated bass lines along with singing back up melodies so well.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

An example of the new generation of bass monsters! Listen to Hysteria... speechless

Added 6 years ago by guest, 3 points

54.

Tom Hamilton

Have you heard SWEET EMOTION!!!!?!!!! Definetly one of Aerosmith's greatest songs and it was written around one of Tom's greatest basslines!!!!!

674 points - added 6 years ago by guest -

55.

Gene Simmons (Kiss)

Definantely the greatest, he makes even the simplest notes sound superb.

659 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 17 comments

Comments:

he shouldn't be on this list. But he is actually a little under-rated

Added 1 year ago by guest, -1 points

Sorry for my englisch but the reason why gene is a good bassplayer is that you can hear a bassguitar in a song from KISS and all the others artists and bands you don't hear a bassguitar than the bass is useless but with gene a bassguitar is great, butt he isn't the best off course, In my eyes top10 at least

Added 2 years ago by guest, 0 points

When Gene said he was "average" at bass, it wasn't self-deprecation. It was honest and accurate. 80 or lower is appropriate for this list.

Added 3 years ago by guest, -1 points

He is possibly the most overrated bass player ever.

Added 3 years ago by guest, -1 points

Why is the greatest man to ever pick up a bass guitar so low on the list? Are you absolutely insain? Gene Simmons is by far the greatest and most influential bass player in the history of all things rock. KISS itself has two comic books and several movies, people baught this stuff not to see Paul, Peter, or Ace but to see Gene Simmons. Did any other bassist have a reality t.v. show? NO! The closest you will get is The Sixx Sence with Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe. (Which I also love)

Added 4 years ago by guest, 2 points

Gene played Bass like a guitarist lol wow! I can play Detroit Rock City and I'm not even a bassist. I'm a guitarist and have attempted bass a few times and noticeably play it like a guitarist...which is normal...Gene plays like a guitarist lol

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

I loved it when he set his hair on fire! EPIC!

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

By his own admission, Gene is an "average" bassist. Doesn't belong in the Top 120.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Don't go bad talking the bat-lizard now. Gene's no slouch on the four string.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

He makes the simplest notes sound superb because that's all he could play

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

I agree with 43rd. That said, what do you mean, "didn't even know how to play early on?" By the time KISS was formed, Gene could certainly play bass well. The guy started playing bass in High school and went through the usual progression of garage bands (Lynx, etc), club bands (Wicked Lester) until finally making it big with KISS. It's not as though his career was like that of Sid Vicious or John Such or someone like that who was just in a band but couldn't really play well even after they were signed. Gene paid his dues.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

Sorry, Gene didn't even know how to play early on. He may be great now, but I don't feel he belongs that high. I agree with 43rd.

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

I agree. Detroit Rock City really identifies Gene's talents.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

"not even that good" are you kidding? Go listen to Detroit Rock City.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

He is not even that good

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

Definitely talented, shouldn't be penalized for showmanship. Although he made a much better rock star in the 70's than he does a reality television star today.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

I think the make-up and mega marketing machine detracted from the musical talent Gene displays is so many songs. Close your eyes from the spectacle and listen.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

56.

Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam)

635 points - added 5 years ago by hrebollo - 2 comments

Comments:

Fretless bass actually isn't that difficult when you know where all of the notes are. A 12 string bass just seems extraneous -- may as well just play a Chapman Stick and get it over with. Snarky comments aside, Ament is an excellent bassist, deserving to be in the top 40 on here, I think.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Man, he is the greatest bass player you only need to try playing a 12 string bass or fretless thats very difficult!! he needs to be at a higher place

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

57.

James Dewar- Robin Trower

That soulful voice, and basslines to DIE for. I got to #40, and STILL didn't see his name, COME ON !!

635 points - added 6 years ago by Nasty QC 704 - 1 comment

Comments:

You are soooooooo right about that !!!
Mr. Dewar was second to none !

Added 3 years ago by guest, 2 points

58.

John Taylor - Duran Duran

I know Duran Duran were all flash and style and the poster children for 80's pop, but listen to the bass riffs. Complex, stylish, technically deep and funky. The driving force behind one of the most popular and biggest selling groups of the 80's.

633 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 9 comments

Comments:

Saw him on the Top 60 list of Music Player where he was ranked #1. If he isn't #1 then he should be pretty close. He's a perfectionist on bass and plays some demanding structures. He's been praised by a lot of other prominent bassists from Bernard Edwards to Duff McKagan as well. Unlike a lot of the bass players on this list, John is VERY versatile.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 2 points

Can't believe some of the bassists listed above John. If he wasn't so good looking he'd get more respect. Rio, Last Chance on the Stairway, New Religion, Sound of Thunder, Girls on Film, Reflex, Notorious... need I go on? His quick, melodic, staccato style is so underrated.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 2 points

John Taylor is way better than many of the players listed above him. Come on...Bill Wyman is better?

Added 4 years ago by guest, 5 points

I'm not even a Duran Duran fan, but John Taylor is wayyy better than Adam Clayton. New Religion off Rio is very difficult to play.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 4 points

Superb bass guitarist. He plays very technical bass riffs live effortlessly. In my top ten for sure.

Added 4 years ago by dawkie, 4 points

john taylor should be along side steve harris as #1 and #2 greatest bass players of all time.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Saw D/D on RIO tour. John slaps that (Fret-less)Aria Pro II like he's auditioning for a funk band and makes it sound A+. Many of his riffs are very dif-
ficult. He's underrated by far. :D

Added 5 years ago by guest, 5 points

Great bass player! Just listen to "Rio" and "New religion"!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 4 points

Superb bass player, with the look and attitude. The yanks love him! Less appriciated over here. Nice bloke too!

Far better than many "placed" above him on this list. Top 10 material certainly

Added 2 years ago by guest, 0 points

Should definitely be top ten. JJ is the reason I took up bass.

Added 3 years ago by guest, 1 point

I think JJ should be in the top ten, he's a legend !

Added 4 years ago by guest, 2 points

JJ is in my opinion one of the top bassists in the world,always put 110% into his live gigs

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

Has to be in the top 20 in my humble opinion,listen to Nice & Sleazy,easily one of the best bass riffs of all time

Added 4 years ago by guest, 2 points

JJ had a huge influence on me. Originally inspired by Chris Squire, JJ showed me the other side of the coin.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Fantastic bassist and extremely hard bastard . Beats up morons who get in his way. Ever seen a bass player punch a bass guitar and make it talk, then watch Burnell.Listen to the track Down in the Sewer and start wishin you could play like him. Mozart would have been proud of The Stranglers. Black and White album proves he's the best. Nuff said !

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

JJB should be top ten, end of Story. If you Dont believe me listen to Threatened and Do you Wanna and Nice N Sleazy from 1978 album Black and White. Bitching & School Mam from 1977s No More Heroes lp,Duchess from 1979s The Raven lp, and Four Horsemen from 1980s The Gospel According to the Meninblack.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Should be top 20 - period, best punk bassist by a mile!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

signature bass sound ... unmistakable - not many bass players you can say that about ... propels the music into a dimension of insistence that others only dream about ... genius ...

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

without a doubt the bassist who inspired generations from 1977 and up with his dark lead type riffs and anthem driven tunes.....genius!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point

Peaches was a classic bass line and the first I learnt to play, so I'm gl;ad he's in the list

Added 6 years ago by HeyDavidiii, 1 point

60.

CURT SMITH (Tears For Fears)

Do i need to explain???

624 points - added 5 years ago by guest -

61.

Stuart Hamm

If you havent heard of Stuart Hamm you really dont know bass players.

592 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 7 comments

Comments:

Listen to Stu Hamm with Frank Gambale and Steve Smith playing The Challenger on the album GHS3. The ghost of Jaco! If you don't put Stu Hamm in the top 5, you don't know bass.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 1 point

'hottest bass', ever seen. 'Massey Hall', Toronto, ON. 1990.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

This top is a joke, right? Stu not in the first 10? It seems that the voters here don't really know what a musician is. Dudes with facies, yes (Paul McCartney bass player?), or with some fingers on chords (Flea) but, not real musicians like Stu.
At least, Jaco is on a deserved position.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

Wow!! Only 43? Gasp!! Stu belongs in the top ten, easily. Nuff said.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

Stu is great, you people must be joking no. 31??, he is definitely in the top ten bass players.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

This man deserves a lot more credit than #30. He has performed with Satriani. His bass lines are phenominal. For every guitar player, to sound amazing, he must have a bassist of more or equal excellence. A song isn't any good with shredding if it doesn't have a nice, skilled low end to support it. Stu deserves at least top 10.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Another musicians' musician. For those not familiar with him. Hamm played in bands with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, as well as a lot of studio work as a session player. For aspiring bass players who want to hear and get familiar with bass solos and leads, Hamm's work is a good reference.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

62.

Pino Palodino

548 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 7 comments

Comments:

Pino is a very good musician in his own right, but a really poor choice to replace John Entwistle in the Who - someone like Billy Sheehan would have done their music far better justice.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 0 points

Crazy good. This list seems to reward pretty boys

Added 3 years ago by guest, 0 points

A master of the bass guitar...without him paul young wouldn't have been that fameous

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

Feel sorry for all you people who didn't put this mastermind above all prev 35-40ppl. Go home and read your homework before ever saying anything again.

Added 4 years ago by guest, -1 points

His work on Gary Numan's album, Warriors, is incredible!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

It is Pino Palladino and not Palodino

Added 5 years ago by guest, 2 points

There's a reason the Who invited Pino to tour with them after John Entwistle's passing in 2002.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

63.

Rob Trujilo

537 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 13 comments

Comments:

seventy what? You´re kidding

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

INFECTIOUS. GROOVES. nuff' said. the dude is beyond.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

rob should be rank higher...

Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points

it's spelled with two L's, but he's awesome!!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

After Cliff the best bassist is Rob he should be ranked higher! CAUSE THERE'S No one better than the bassists of metallica.
( sorry for my bad english)

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

he is the best bassist since cliff burton

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

It's spelled Trujillo, but, regardless, he's definitely a great metal, but also punk/funk fusion bassist (for those who recall his days with the band "Suicidal Tendencies" and "Infectious Grooves" circa 1990's).

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

at least top 20.... is the Metallica bass player.. oh my god ....

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Definitely the Greatest

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

Rank him NUMBER 1

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

no he should be ALOT higher!!

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

He should be ranked a bit higher . Metallica's keeping him for a reason ;)

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

your joking ....rob is the man

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

64.

Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna)

514 points - added 7 years ago by pxc0 - 6 comments

Comments:

I think for pure soul and mastery, jack is NUMERO UNO!
JR

Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points

Jack should be much higher in this list, probably top 10. I always said he plays the bass with his eyebrows, which were more entertaining to watch when Jack was playing than alot of the entries in this list ranked higher than Jack.

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

As an old "Dead Head" I love Phil too but Jack was the personality of the Airplane and an incredible presence on stage with his waist long hair and big dark sunglasses. Listen to Baxter's or the first Tuna recording and you will hear one of the greatest slap bass players ever!!!

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

As much as I like Phil and The Dead, Jack blows Phil outta the water especially when it comes to stage presence.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Should be ranked higher. Best bass player to come out of the San Francisco Psychodelic era, sorry Phil.

Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points

did live gigs with hendrix... legend

Added 6 years ago by chap, 0 points

65.

Michael Giefer (Prescriptions and Timeless Band)

Plays the most acoustically perfect sets since Brewer and Shipley. Clean driving notes that rock!

493 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 23 comments

Comments:

I once watched a bassist who I could have swore was Billy Sheehan but he moved quicker, slapped harder and harmonized smoother than I had EVER seen before. That man was whom I would later refer to as Heavy-G, Mike Giefer himself! The pink fingernails and permed fro will go down in history as the look of Heavy-G. Children will dress as him for Halloween and future bassists will awe in his mesmerizing presence on any groove he ever touched.

Added 11 months ago by guest, 0 points

Well, he's done it again. Just when you think Heavy-G has settled into his twilight years, he takes it a new direction. Caught the brother both laying down the bass AND stomping in the percussion in a window in Troy! Looked like a deranged manaquin! Could not believe those old knees could take it, especially given his well known problems with chronic arthritis. Since he had that new hip put in, he's unstoppable!

Added 1 year ago by guest, 1 point

Saw a show in Dayton this weekend. The master is not aging well physically, but he still has the baddest bass around. Hard to believe he can still stand and play that long, but what a show! He plays a wicked stepchild with that emancipated bass.

Added 1 year ago by guest, 3 points

Hotest bass licks since Boosty got the funk on the mothership with George. Gief's show at the Kennedy Center in 72 was epic. I never knew that Sweet-G jammed with Parliment in the session recordings back in Jersey. What a pedigree! Jaco's got nothing on this boy - fingers are solid gold.

Added 2 years ago by spacebass, 5 points

Met the master at a museum last week. What a thrill! I never thought a star of his caliber actually walked among the common people. Personal, engaging, warm... Wow! He even signed my panties with a sharpie and let me and my husband take a photo for the grandkids.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 5 points

Truly the Godfather of Bass

Added 2 years ago by guest, 5 points

Everyone should come hear the man, the myth, the legend "the gief" on Dec 19th at spinoza's

Added 2 years ago by guest, 6 points

Gief is still not my Dad, but I still wish he was. He rocks that Bass hard. The song "All about that Bass" was written about the G-mann and his riffs. Play on player...play on.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 6 points

Heavy-G moved dat bass to Colorado to hit the Rocky Mountain music scene for a while. A precipitious drop in the funk was felt all over the Miami Valley... Funk, like matter, cannot be created or destroyed - it just changes form and location.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 6 points

EADG, This man knows how to run the strings. Unless you've been able to see him, you won't understand. 5!!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 4 points

He's awesome. Reminds me a lot of Floyd Pepper from Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band on the Muppet Show. Man...those were the days.

Added 2 years ago by guest, 3 points

Caught the master playing in the Caribbean this week, bringing a wicked funk/reggae fusion thing to St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Versatile, innovative, and tan... Still not sure if he was wearing any clothes behind the low-strung bass... As usual, all the ladies went crazy!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 7 points

What is there left to say about Heavy-G? When he passes on, he'll have a first class seat on Bootsy's Mothership to that funk Heaven in the sky. He will always be not only Enon's finest bassist, but an inspiration to musicians worldwide. Rock on brother!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 11 points

Michael also adds to the group 5 the band!

Added 2 years ago by guest, 10 points

Master innovator! I haven't seen anything like what Gief can do with a bass since Tony Levin invented the Funk Fingers!!!

Added 3 years ago by guest, 10 points

Gief's evolution as a bass master has been incomparable! I have followed his work since the 80's from wild Country and Western Hair metal to his rock solid grooving in the new millenium. A master entertainer who's crazy antics never disappoint!

Added 3 years ago by guest, 13 points

HUGE Gief fan!! I wish he was my dad. Best Bass Player EVER!!! Thump on man....Thump on

Added 3 years ago by guest, 12 points

Gief has moved on, taking his music in a new direction. He now playing with 5, but still in Ohio. Like Madonna or Miley Cyrus, he is always reinventing himself, keeping it fresh and with the times.

Added 3 years ago by guest, 14 points

Having moved on from The Prescriptions & The Timeless Band, his new project for the last few years is "5". Gief has now perfected the soulful delivered bass line and lays the foundation for 5's soaring vocals. Is there anything this cat can't do?!?!

Added 3 years ago by guest, 11 points

The big concert this weekend was killer. Especially liked the moment of silence for you and your skills - then the crowd went wild... Best bass since that Misawa world tour time in Japan. Even at his age and eyesight, still never misses a beat!

Added 6 years ago by bass_fan, 11 points

Gief Fan - I hear you. So little is know of Gief outside of Japan and Nigeria. You can really hear that jungle heritage in his music. You can almost feel the heat and smell the malaria. Since he came back to the States, I'm glad to see he is back with the band and done with his solo period. Abuja's loss is Ohio's gain! You Rock Gief!

Added 6 years ago by bass_fan, 15 points

What is "SO REMARKABLE" about Gief is not only the fact that he can play like he does, but not many know of the terrible difficulties and struggles he has had to overcome.....His numerous allergic food issues and his eyesight issue are only two of the many problems that plague him.

Added 6 years ago by Gief_Fan, 15 points

I've been following Gief since he rocked Japan back in the day. No one comes close to those riffs. And sing... man he could wail the blues!

Added 6 years ago by bass_fan, 13 points

66.

David Eleffson

MEGADETH

491 points - added 7 years ago by guest - 8 comments

Comments:

he sholud be top 3

Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point

He may not be the greatest bassplayer of all time, but he was and still is, a great inspiration to many metal bassplayers (including me).

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

"Peace Sells" has a catchy bass intro that's actually not all that technically difficult. Megadeth has a few other songs with a good bass hook as well. Eleffson is a solid bass player, maybe about at the same level as Jason Newsted, but not exactly up to the level of Cliff Burton or Steve Harris.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point

Haven't you ever heard Peace Sells? He should be higher.

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Fantastic Bass player

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Hell YEAH!!!
MEGADETH

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

Dave Eleffson is an absolute freak... he should be way higher

Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points

He is great, not the greatest, but at least in top 10 or top 15

Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points

67.

Gordon Sumner aka "Sting" (The Police, solo artist)

488 points - added 6 years ago by guest - 3 comments

Comments:

He should be ranked higher. Listen to Ghost in the machine.

Added 12 months ago by guest, 0 points

Written some of the most beautiful music ever. Very versitile. Practically wrote all of the Police songs. Also lead singer for them as well. Awesome solo albums and music as well. One of the best bassists ever.